The energy sector faces immense pressure to increase its supply while at the same time becoming greener and smarter. As discussed in our 2023 Energy Transformation Readiness Study, open source software (OSS) can help speed up this transition in a number of ways, in particular by enabling the integration of distributed energy sources. How does OSS solve the issue of interoperability amongst these different energy sources?
In a study prepared for Natural Resources Canada, LF Research investigated this research question in the context of the Canadian energy grid. From interviews with 17 experts working in energy grid modernization, this report explains the main reasons for harmonizing the grid, distills the key blockers of interoperability — communication, data sharing, privacy and security — and describes how the adoption of standards can be improved in order to overcome these obstacles. It also provides some case studies where open source adoption has led to more sustainable, effective, and interoperable energy utility projects.
Author:
- Mike Dover
Additional Resources:
