The energy sector is undergoing a significant transformation, with 76% of utilities implementing digitalization plans and 64% using open source to accelerate innovation, according to a new report from the Linux Foundation Energy. The report, developed in partnership with LF Research and several other organizations, provides survey-based insights into energy sector digitalization through open source. The findings reveal that over half of energy stakeholders are converging IT with OT, and 51% see IT and OT on the way to convergence in their organizations. The report also highlights that digitalization plays a critical role in decarbonization by enabling smart home energy management, EV charging, and improved demand response.
The research shows that the Asia Pacific region is furthest ahead with implementing digitalization plans at 84%, followed by North America at 78%, and Europe at 62%. Nearly all respondents who have not already begun implementation already have a plan in place and ready to be implemented, or well into development. However, a plurality (43%) believe energy industry consensus is still key to increasing OSS adoption.
The report also reveals that open source software reduces grid complexity by enabling the integration and management of distributed energy resources (DERs) and easing application development. Cost reduction and transition speed-up are the main benefits of OSS in the energy sector, while performance, support, and security are the main barriers to adoption. Half of the organizations surveyed believe that software and open source skills should be covered in training programs.
In conclusion, the report highlights that the energy sector has accepted that digitalization is the only path forward to transition energy systems to renewables. However, the LF Energy community must reinforce to these stakeholders that open source is the most efficient and effective way to complete a digital transformation that ensures these systems are interoperable, resilient, and secure.
#EnergySector #Digitalization #OpenSource #Decarbonization #SmartHomeEnergyManagement #EVCharging
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