SGT25 Session Recap: Virtualization and the Future of Substations: RTE’s R#SPACE Project in Action
As energy systems evolve in complexity and scale, Transmission System Operators (TSOs) are facing mounting pressure to modernize their infrastructure while maintaining security, reliability, and cost-efficiency. At the recent Smart Grid Tech Forum 2025, representatives from Straton Automation, RTE (France’s Transmission System Operator), and Savoir-faire Linux shared a look into how virtualization is reshaping the future of substations.
Their joint session, “The Future of Substation Virtualization,” highlighted RTE’s pioneering R#SPACE project – a next-generation substation automation platform built using open source technologies, including LF Energy’s SEAPATH. The full session recording is also embedded below.
What is R#SPACE?
R#SPACE (short for Real-time Substation Platform for Automation, Control, and Experimentation) is an internal project at RTE to virtualize substation automation using a fully software-defined approach. It aims to:
- Replace traditional hardware-based IEDs with virtualized IEDs (vIEDs) for substation-level functions.
- Standardize deployments using open source tools
- Improve flexibility, scalability, and lifecycle management of substation systems
The platform is designed around SEAPATH, an LF Energy project that provides a real-time, secure, and redundant platform for running virtual automation applications in substations.
From Hardware to Software: Why Virtualization?
As outlined by Anthony Burille (Straton Automation), the move toward virtualization enables utilities to:
- Simplify substation design using a single SCD file that configures all IEDs, logic, and communication protocols
- Deploy and maintain systems remotely, reducing time and labor costs
- Ensure cybersecurity through virtualized firewalls and sandboxed environments
- Create longer lifecycle support, as virtualized systems can be updated via software rather than full hardware refreshes
Straton has been developing virtual PLCs since 2002 and brings deep experience in enabling programmable, real-time substation control systems.
RTE’s Real-World Deployment
Mickael Danancher from RTE shared real-world insights into the deployment of R#SPACE across three substations, including:
- Use of virtual machines running on SEAPATH to host:
- Local SCADA (Windows VM)
- Gateway services (Linux VM)
- Virtualized automation functions (via Docker containers)
- Grouping and isolating functions based on operational requirements (e.g., breaker failure automation in a dedicated Docker)
- Integration with RTE’s internal configuration tools for automated deployment of vIEDs
So far, the results are promising, with virtual platforms achieving cycle times of 10 ms and handling up to 40,000 I/O points.
The Tech Stack Behind SEAPATH
Erwann Roussy from Savoir-faire Linux gave an in-depth look at the technical architecture supporting SEAPATH:
- Real-time Linux kernel
- Cluster tools like Corosync and Pacemaker for high availability
- Open vSwitch for deterministic network topologies
- Ansible-based configuration management with text-based inventory files and automated playbooks
This architecture ensures deterministic performance, fault tolerance, and reproducibility between lab and field deployments, key for utilities operating critical infrastructure.
Converging IT and OT
A major takeaway from the session was the growing convergence of IT and OT in power systems. Roles are evolving:
- IT teams handle virtualization, networking, and deployment automation
- OT teams focus on protection logic, substation automation, and reliability
- Maintenance teams now operate tools that allow one-click configuration updates
This convergence, powered by open source software and collaborative development, is enabling TSOs to break out of vendor lock-in and build resilient, future-ready systems.
What’s Next?
- RTE plans to expand R#SPACE deployments across more substations
- Protection functions are next in line for virtualization, with promising R&D results
- Performance testing (e.g., event storm simulations) is underway to prepare for scaling
- Hardware evaluations (e.g., Advantech platforms) are supporting more demanding real-time tasks
The session closed with a powerful message: Virtualization isn’t just coming to substations—it’s already here.
