OpenADR and Matter link up to enable the grid to ‘talk’ directly to the home
Image: geo
Cambridge-based smart energy specialist geo (Green Energy Options) has developed an open specification combining OpenADR and Matter, opening the way for large scale consumer flexibility.
The new specification, entitled ‘OpenADR 3 to Matter interworking reference specification’, effectively allows the grid to talk directly to the home and thereby align with real world use cases being deployed by demand side response service providers.
More specifically it comprises a set of architectures and procedures by which a demand side response provider on OpenADR 3 may manage a set of energy smart appliances operated by the user using Matter.
It is primarily aimed at domestic premises, although may equally be applied to other small non-residential premises, but it is not intended to be applicable to larger enterprises or industrial premises.
Have you read?
UK taps OpenADR 3.0 for interoperable flexibility
Energy Transitions podcast: Unlocking the flexibility potential of Europe’s EVs
Patrick Caiger-Smith, geo chairman, said that keeping consumers’ hard-earned money in their pockets by providing meaningful carbon reduction to millions of homes, simply and cost effectively, has always been central to the company’s mission.
“This latest OpenADR and Matter bridging specification means those benefits can now be delivered sooner, not least because the commercial value for smart appliance manufacturers and flexibility service providers is now clearer than ever.”
With this new specification, demand side response providers and smart appliances manufacturers may unlock the flexibility contained in household appliances, EV charging, water heating, electric heating, solar and battery storage systems.
Using OpenADR, the grid can understand how these smart appliances can be flexed and can then send incentive signals to use energy at different times and help balance the grid.
Matter, launched in 2022 and subsequently having undergone widespread adoption by appliance manufacturers, is a smart home standard that defines how devices communicate and facilitates secure data sharing within the home.
The initiative was undertaken by geo with UK government innovation support with assistance from the OpenADR and the Connectivity Standards alliances.
Rolf Bienert, managing director of the OpenADR Alliance, said consumers want simplicity.
“This specification bridges grid control with home energy management, making energy flexibility seamless.”
Tobin Richardson, president and CEO of the Connectivity Standards Alliance, said the specification marks a pivotal moment in energy evolution.
“The OpenADR specification enables communication between utilities and consumers, allowing Matter devices to respond to those energy signals. It’s an impressive step forward in enhancing grid efficiency and paves the way for a more sustainable, greener future.”
