Open Source at Alliander
The energy transition requires new digital solutions, collaboration and innovation at scale. That is why Alliander deliberately chooses open source. By sharing software, knowledge and standards, we can work together with other grid operators, technology companies, research institutions and governments to develop better digital solutions more quickly, for the challenges of today and tomorrow.
What is
open source?
Open source software is software with a publicly available source code. Anyone can inspect, use, modify and extend the software. This creates an open form of collaboration between organizations, developers and users.
For Alliander, this way of working aligns with the societal challenges that we face. The challenges of the energy transition are too large and too complex to solve alone. Open source enables us to share knowledge, invest jointly and make innovations rapidly available to the energy sector, market participants and other stakeholders.
Open source is therefore more than a way of developing software. It is a strategic choice that contributes to a future-proof energy system, digital autonomy and maximum societal value.
The added value
of open source
For a complex societal challenge such as the energy transition, collaboration and knowledge sharing are essential. Open source makes it possible to jointly develop digital solutions that can be used across the entire sector. By sharing knowledge and software, we:
- develop solutions faster and more efficiently;
- benefit from the expertise of other organizations and developers;
- improve software quality and reliability;
- share development and maintenance costs;
- contribute to an open and future-proof energy system.
Our key open source projects
A calculation tool for grid analysis that helps electricity network operators analyze and plan their power grids better.
Software for forecasting energy consumption and energy generation in the near future.
Open source models that help determine the temperature and available capacity of grid assets, including transformers, switchgear and cables, based on load, ambient temperature and technical specifications.
Software for exchanging and managing grid component data according to international standards. This supports collaboration and data exchange within the energy sector.
An open source reference model that helps grid operators describe and develop processes, information and capabilities according to a common standard.
An open source protocol and software solution for the secure exchange of data to support flexibility exchange between grid operators and market participants.
Collaboration across
the energy sector
Alliander is a member of LF Energy. This open source foundation focuses on facilitating collaboration between energy companies. Through this foundation, and through our activities in the energy and other sectors, we work together with numerous energy companies. After all, many of us share the same challenge, which is exactly why we promote these collaborative efforts.
By placing some of our projects with LF Energy, we can make good use of the network this foundation has built up, which then makes it easier for us to find parties interested in using, but mainly in contributing to, our open source software.
In addition to projects managed under LF Energy, at Alliander we always actively consider whether a tool or information may be more suitable as an open source endeavour. We then publish these ourselves.
Want to know more about Alliander and open source activities?
