OpenADR 3.0 certification marks milestone in energy sector

The OpenADR Alliance has announced the certification of the first OpenADR 3.0 products by E.ON Energy, EVoke Systems, and Universal Devices.

A standardisation body focused on automating demand response and enhancing grid flexibility, the OpenADR Alliance has expanded its certified portfolio with solutions from its member companies. These include a variety of applications, notably featuring the first Virtual Top Node (VTN) solution to achieve this certification.

The OpenADR 3.0 communications standard, released a year prior, promotes interoperability and efficiency within the energy management sector. It aims to facilitate the management of distributed energy resources (DER), address complexities, and offer improved grid flexibility and automation in demand response initiatives.

Rolf Bienert, Managing and Technical Director at the OpenADR Alliance, stated, "The role of standards like OpenADR 3.0 are key to the success of a changing energy market, simplifying energy management and improving flexibility. This is more important than ever as increasingly innovative products enter the market."

"We're excited to see members releasing the first certified OpenADR 3.0 products to the market and to see the standard go from strength to strength."

Among the newly certified products, E.ON Energy Networks, a Swedish distribution system operator, has rolled out "SWITCH".

This platform is the first VTN solution with OpenADR 3.0 certification. It offers tools that enable grid owners to communicate power demand adjustments proactively and automatically. Through these capabilities, the system aims to optimise grid infrastructure usage, providing value to end-users through reduced electricity costs and shorter wait times for new connections.

EVoke Systems, recognised for its software-driven approach to electric vehicle charging networks, has integrated OpenADR 3.0 into its Energy Services Exchange (ESX) platform.

Developed in association with Argonne National Laboratory, the ESX platform helps utilities and grid operators manage and optimise electric vehicle load and DER coordination.

Orly Hasidim, Chief Operating Officer at Universal Devices, remarked, "This certification represents our commitment to creating an energy ecosystem where utilities and consumers can seamlessly participate in demand response and dynamic pricing programs." Universal Devices has introduced an OpenADR 3.0 certified Virtual End Node (VEN) across its platform. Contributing to the promotion of smart grid adoption, they have made this implementation open source, facilitating broader access and collaborative innovation.

Pacific Gas & Electric Company is undertaking a demonstration project in collaboration with Universal Devices. This initiative seeks to explore the potential benefits of OpenADR 3.0 for grid flexibility and load management.

An OpenADR 3.0 certification guarantees products have passed a rigorous testing process that ensures high security, reliability, and efficient utility application communication. The certification promotes a diverse ecosystem of interoperable products, preventing dependency on single vendors.