Beyond the Switch: Software as the New Backbone of Energy Infrastructure
ContentType: Event Recap
Event: LF Energy Summit Europe 2025
Session: Beyond the Switch: Software as the New Backbone of Energy Infrastructure
Speakers: Dr. Christian Hille (Accenture), Prof. Antonello Monti (RWTH Aachen University)
TL;DR — A New Era for Operational Technology
At LF Energy Summit Europe 2025, Dr. Christian Hille and Prof. Antonello Monti explored how open collaboration, modular architectures, and open-source technologies are redefining operational technology (OT) as the digital backbone of a decarbonized, decentralized power system.
A New Era for Operational Technology
As global power systems evolve toward digitalization, decentralization, and decarbonization, operational technology (OT) is undergoing a profound transformation. Traditional, monolithic control systems built for stability and long-term vendor lock-in are being replaced by modular, open-source, and data-driven architectures. At the LF Energy Summit Europe 2025, both speakers emphasized that this transformation demands collaboration across traditionally siloed organizations.
Collaboration as the Catalyst
Dr. Christian Hille, Managing Director and Utilities & Energy Transition Lead EMEA at Accenture, praised the LF Energy community for breaking down proprietary barriers within the OT domain.
“It’s really all about collaboration,” Hille noted. “The renewal wave rushing through Europe’s OT landscape cannot be achieved by any single company alone.”
Accenture, a Diamond Sponsor of the event, is partnering with Prof. Antonello Monti’s research group at RWTH Aachen to publish a joint Point of View white paper—helping utilities modernize without starting from scratch.
From Monolithic to Modular
Hille underscored the shift from monolithic, vendor-locked systems toward modular, platform-driven designs that allow utilities to deploy “best-of-breed applications” across OT environments. The boundaries between IT and OT are blurring—not through direct integration but through IT-like architectures that enable scalability, resilience, and zero-trust cybersecurity.
“Open source is definitely a big part of that,” Hille emphasized.
AI and Cybersecurity on the Grid Edge
While AI remains a buzzword, Hille urged pragmatic adoption. AI should be run on premises to enhance decision-making and preserve data sovereignty.
“AI will be there—supporting decision-making and eventually taking decisions itself,” he stated, linking AI’s growth to the need for zero-trust cybersecurity frameworks protecting digitalized grids.
SONIA: A Blueprint for Interoperable Grid Control
Prof. Antonello Monti presented SONIA, an open-source architecture that makes modularity and interoperability tangible. Originating from European research initiatives, SONIA is now adopted by multiple grid operators and supported by EU and German government funding.
Key features include:
- Standardized APIs and services for interoperability
- Compliance with IEC 61850 and the Common Information Model (CIM)
- Expansion into demand-response integration and AI services
“If we agree on the architecture and the APIs for each service,” Monti explained, “anyone can build their own version—but everything remains interoperable.”
SONIA’s success in Rome has inspired DSOs and TSOs across Europe—including projects such as InterCA—to co-develop shared solutions for grid management.
People, Process, and Participation
Hille concluded with a reminder: technology alone is not enough. Cultural and organizational change must accompany digital transformation.
“Technology is progressing fast,” he said. “But if you lose your employees on that journey, it will not be helpful.”
He called for shared visions, inclusive governance, and active employee participation to sustain long-term transformation.
A Shared Foundation for the Energy Transition
Both speakers closed with a unified message: open ecosystems drive interoperability and innovation while reducing duplication.
“There is enormous value in interoperability,” Monti summarized.
“The energy transition will not be led by isolated innovation, but by open collaboration and shared standards.”
Watch the full keynote: Beyond the Switch: Software as the New Backbone of Energy Infrastructure
FAQ
What is SONIA?
SONIA is an open-source, modular OT architecture enabling interoperable control across distributed grid infrastructures.
Who developed SONIA?
The framework was developed by Prof. Antonello Monti and his team at RWTH Aachen University, supported by EU and German government programs.
Why is modularity important in OT systems?
Modularity enables utilities to update components independently, enhancing flexibility, cybersecurity, and innovation.
How is Accenture involved?
Accenture collaborates with RWTH Aachen on a white paper providing modernization guidance for European utilities.
What role does open source play?
Open source ensures interoperability, shared standards, and faster innovation across the energy ecosystem.
About LF Energy
LF Energy is an open-source foundation within the Linux Foundation dedicated to accelerating the energy transition through collaborative software, hardware, and data initiatives.
Learn more at lfenergy.org.
