On the main stage at FOSDEM 2024 in Brussels, a panel titled “Unveiling the Open Renewable Energy Systems (ORES) Initiative” sparked engaging discussions about the intersection of open source principles and renewable energy (video follows below). Moderated by Dan Brown from LF Energy, the panel featured Tony Shannon, Vivien Barnier, Hilary Carter, Karl Yang, and Chris Xie, each bringing unique perspectives to the table.
Dan kickstarted the session by emphasizing the transformative potential of open source in the energy sector. He highlighted the importance of collaboration and innovation in tackling global energy challenges.
Introduction to ORES
Chris Xie, Head of Open Source Strategy at Futurewei, then provided an overview of the proposed ORES initiative, which will be considered for formal adoption by the LF Energy Technical Advisory Council at its March 12 meeting. Chris provided an overview of the objective of ORES, which is focused on building a technology stack that will enable off-the-shelf solutions for businesses and consumers to deploy renewable energy and energy management tools.
Role of Research
Hilary Carter, SVP Research at The Linux Foundation, shed light on the pivotal role research played in shaping the ORES initiative. She emphasized the need for evidence-based insights to drive sustainable energy solutions forward. ORES was born out of two research reports that Hilary highlighted, the Open Source Opportunity for Microgrids and Open Source for Sustainability.
Community Engagement
Vivien Barnier, CEO of the EnAccess Foundation, emphasized the inclusive nature of ORES. He discussed the initiative’s aim to leverage open source to facilitate access to energy in underserved communities worldwide. Creating an interoperable tech stack for energy products will enable the deployment of electricity to areas currently not served more rapidly and cost effectively.
Technical Innovation
Karl Yang, CEO of DEGCent, delved into the technical aspects of ORES, highlighting the importance of standardization and interoperability. He emphasized the potential of open source to drive down costs and accelerate the adoption of renewable energy technologies.
Regulatory Frameworks
Tony Shannon, Head of Digital Services, Office of Government CIO of Ireland, addressed the regulatory challenges facing the integration of renewable energy systems. He stressed the importance of favorable policies and collaboration between governments, regulators, and industry stakeholders.
Call to Action
The panel concluded with a call to action for greater collaboration and participation in the ORES initiative. Attendees were encouraged to join the mailing list, review the draft charter on the ORES wiki, and contribute their expertise to this groundbreaking endeavor. As the world grapples with the urgent need for sustainable energy solutions, ORES will drive progress in this area through open source innovation.
