Tech Talk | Open source – how it can benefit the energy transition

Open source technology in the energy sector represents a transformative opportunity to achieve the UN SDGs, particularly in addressing climate action, LF Research suggests.

In a study for Natural Resources Canada, LF Research – the research arm of the Linux Foundation – investigates the role of open source in the context of the Canadian energy grid and its increasing digitalisation.

If there is one basic need in the energy sector, and of ever increasing importance as the number of connected devices grow, it is ‘interoperability’ – interoperability of hardware and of software and ultimately between utilities and other stakeholders.

But there is a lack of interoperability due to issues around security, data sharing, communication and vendor lock-in and it is an overarching problem, LF Research states.

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Which is where open source comes in with open source standards and protocols showing the greatest promise to accelerate innovation and the pace of the transition to clean energy while addressing these interoperability issues.

Open source benefits

LF Research states in the study that open source platforms can reduce costs associated with licensing fees for proprietary software and offer flexibility and customisation to meet specific needs, facilitating better and faster development, integration and interoperability.

Specific benefits cited include a reduced risk of vendor lock-in, increased visibility at the software level enabling the easier integration with proprietary solutions and improved data integration and data sharing overcoming the common lack of standardisation across jurisdictions.

It also offers a future-proof approach, the study adds.

By adopting these solutions, companies can ensure that their assets remain adaptable and compatible with evolving industry standards and technologies.

Barriers to open source

Despite the potential impact of open source technology on interoperability, real and perceived barriers remain, LF Research points out.

These include the widespread presence of incumbent proprietary systems, different regulatory frameworks and standards across different jurisdictions and communications gaps between different stakeholders.

A significant concern also is present around ensuring data privacy and security while using open source tools, especially when dealing with sensitive information.

Finally, arguably more a perception than a reality, the technology still sounds risky to some organisations due to a lack of familiarity, perceived risks and uncertainty about support and maintenance.

Open source case studies

As an example of an open source project LF Research cites the Everest project jointly between the US Departments of Energy and Transportation and the Linux Foundation, which developed a standardised software layer to support electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure.

Another is the ‘SPEEDIER’ smart grid project in the Parry Sound, Ontario region, which was initiated to reduce energy consumption in the community and increase energy independence with distributed energy resources and their active control.

While strong backing from the Parry Sound community was received, early on challenges were recorded including vendor lock-in and supply chain issues resulting from the Covid disruption, while also other hurdles emerged such as the requirements for utility-grade meters that were cost prohibitive.

The project principals agreed that the philosophy of open source technology could improve all areas, including communication, transparency and future-proofing and ultimately enable cost reductions, improved data sharing and enhanced interoperability.

Recommendations

LF Research offers several recommendations to support the use of open source technology, starting with support for the community with its potential to play a pivotal role in supporting collaboration among the stakeholders to develop and maintain interoperability standards.

Other recommendations are to deploy agile public sector decision making, build capacity through education and provide regulatory support and direction.

To address the gaps and promote the adoption of the technology, a steering committee should be established.

Further, to ensure interoperability in the face of evolving energy landscapes, grid technology must be future-proofed.

In conclusion LF Research states that to fully realise the benefits of open source technology, it is important to overcome these barriers.

The report states: “By investing in future-proof technologies and ensuring continuous improvement and collaboration, the energy sector can benefit from open source solutions, drive forward the sustainable development agenda, and pave the way for a more resilient and efficient global energy ecosystem.”

Jonathan Spencer Jones

Specialist writer
Smart Energy International

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