A reference architecture is a combination of standards, agreements, and best practices that collectively provide a framework for shaping digitalization in the energy sector. It serves as a blueprint that can be reused across multiple energy systems and is essential for establishing a well-coordinated ICT landscape. This reference architecture consists of three layers:
- The physical infrastructure and hardware layer.
- The digital infrastructure or ICT layer.
- The layer comprising digital information systems, energy management systems, and applications.
The future sustainable energy system encompasses various existing and new innovative solutions across these layers. As more stakeholders engage in the energy transition, numerous innovations emerge simultaneously. Often, there is no dominant approach or established standards that enable seamless interoperability among these energy innovations.
By using a reference architecture, stakeholders in the energy transition learn to speak the same language and use common definitions. It also contributes to creating a fair and equal playing field in the energy domain by helping to establish consistent rules for all parties involved. These guidelines ensure that everyone commits to the same standards. However, it is important to ensure that this framework does not overly regulate and hinder the entrepreneurship and innovation of individual parties. It requires finding a balance.
In 2022, The Topsector Energie Digitalization conducted an exploration as the first step towards a reference architecture for the Dutch energy system, based on the lessons learned from previous innovation projects aimed at advancing the goals of the Climate Agreement. Now, it is crucial to determine the next steps in a participatory process involving all stakeholders. Coordination from the Topsector Energy is important, but it should truly emerge from the digitalization community to achieve widely supported principles, principles, and standards for the new energy system.
Projects and Reports
- Exploration of Reference Architecture by Baringa (report)
- Position papers on the exploration of reference architecture
- Exploration report on the Internet of Energy
Knowledge Sharing
Webinars on Reference Architecture
- September 29, 2022: Deep-dive session on Reference Architecture: building blocks for the new Reference Architecture
- April 28, 2022 - Webinar: Are we still programming on the mm²?
Events February