PowSyBl: Grid Modeling at the Core of Europe’s Power Grid Planification and Operation
Across Europe, transmission system operators (TSOs) and regional coordination centers (RCCs) are deploying PowSyBl (Power System Blocks), an open framework governed by LF Energy, to modernize cross-border grid planning and operations. Developed collaboratively by organizations such as RTE, Artelys, and AIA, PowSyBl now underpins core capacity calculation and security analysis workflows across multiple regions.
From Framework to Foundation
PowSyBl is not a single software product but a modular framework. a set of interoperable building blocks for grid simulation and analysis.
Its key capabilities include:
- Power flow and optimal power flow (OPF)
- Security analysis and dynamic simulation
These functions are already used daily by several European TSOs and RCCs, supporting security-constrained grid operations and coordinated capacity calculation.
The framework’s enterprise-grade design features:
- A Java-based architecture for robust integration with control room systems.
- Versioned internal data formats ensuring long-term compatibility.
- OpenSSF Silver Badge certification for cybersecurity best practices.
- A Python API for Jupyter notebook integration, enabling use without deep Java expertise.
Governance and Openness as Design Principles
PowSyBl’s defining strength is its open governance model. Under LF Energy, the Technical Steering Committee (TSC) with members from RTE, Artelys, and AIA meets publicly each month to review changes, set roadmaps, and approve releases.
This transparent process ensures reliability and trust among stakeholders and fosters long-term collaboration.
Governance benefits include:
- Keeping PowSyBl a shared, non-proprietary asset.
- Promoting vendor-neutral collaboration among TSOs and regulators.
- Using commercially friendly licenses (MPLv2 or LGPL) that support both integration and contribution.
Computation Modules Driving European Operations
Artelys contributes to three major computational modules within PowSyBl, each addressing critical stages in power system planning and operation:
Metrics
A tool for security-constrained DC optimal power flow (SCOPF) and cost-benefit analysis of grid reinforcements.
Example: Used to determine how much additional wind capacity the Latvian grid could host while keeping curtailment below 5%.
OpenLoadFlow
Performs AC/DC load flows, grid merging, and security assessments at continental scale. Supports shared reactive control and parallel execution over high-performance computing (HPC) environments for pan-European studies.
OpenRAO (Remedial Action Optimizer)
Optimizes cross-border capacity calculation and congestion management, combining topological switching, phase-shifter adjustments, HVDC control, and redispatching.
Currently used operationally in CORE regions coordinated by TSCNET and CORESO.
Together, these modules make PowSyBl a backbone for pan-European collaboration, merging grid models under the CGMES (Common Grid Model Exchange Specification) format and enabling unified capacity allocation and reliability analyses.
Open Source as an Economic and Strategic Model
For Artelys, PowSyBl demonstrates how open source and commercial viability can reinforce one another. The company’s business model centers on development, support, and study services rather than license fees.
Key advantages:
- Distributes maintenance costs across the community.
- Accelerates innovation through shared ownership.
- Reduces long-term vendor dependency.
Omont noted that sustaining open infrastructure requires active investment from users. When all stakeholders share responsibility for the common codebase, progress continues steadily. LF Energy’s governance provides accountability and ensures community-driven continuity.
Enabling Open Collaboration in Public Procurement
Omont emphasized that for open source adoption to scale, public tenders must evolve to better support community-based software. He outlined three priority steps:
- Explicitly allow open source solutions as valid or mandatory options in tenders.
- Permit vendors to publish modifications to open components, even when IP remains with the purchaser.
- Simplify governance to prevent contractual barriers from hindering new contributions.
These measures would strengthen Europe’s open software commons for secure and interoperable energy systems.
The Path Ahead
Each year, the PowSyBl ecosystem expands—new RCCs, new use cases, and new contributors join. What began as a research framework is now an operational standard for European grid reliability and planning.
PowSyBl exemplifies LF Energy’s mission: shared digital infrastructure for the clean energy transition—interoperable, secure, and transparently governed. As Nicolas Omont concluded:
“It works—and it keeps working because the community keeps contributing.”
Watch the full presentation here: https://youtu.be/MPEAznNyh9A?si=Yu9Cm4yZPuMJbyBj
Learn more about PowSyBl: https://www.powsybl.org/
FAQ
What is PowSyBl?
An open framework for electrical grid modeling and simulation maintained by LF Energy.
Who contributes to PowSyBl?
Organizations including RTE, Artelys, and AIA, under the guidance of LF Energy’s Technical Steering Committee (TSC).
Which modules are developed by Artelys?
Metrics, OpenLoadFlow, and OpenRAO.
What license governs PowSyBl?
PowSyBl is distributed under MPLv2 or LGPL, promoting reuse and contribution.
Where is PowSyBl used operationally?
Across multiple European TSOs and RCCs, including CORE regions managed by TSCNET and CORESO.
Keywords
PowSyBl, LF Energy, grid planning, Artelys, open framework, European TSOs, OpenLoadFlow, OpenRAO, Metrics, CGMES
About PowSyBl
PowSyBl (Power System Blocks) is an open framework for power system modeling, simulation, and optimization. Developed under LF Energy, it provides interoperable components for power flow, security analysis, and capacity calculation—empowering transparent, scalable collaboration among European transmission system operators.
About LF Energy
About LF Energy
LF Energy, an initiative of the Linux Foundation, brings together utilities, technology vendors, researchers, and regulators to accelerate the energy sector’s digital and decarbonized transformation through open source software, shared data models, and collaborative governance. Its projects build the digital infrastructure for the global energy transition — from grid orchestration and interoperability to electric mobility and cybersecurity.
Last updated: 2025-10-24
