White Paper: The Role of IEEE 2030.5 Interoperability Standard in Distributed Energy Resources Integration
As Distributed Energy Resources (DERs) continue to expand, they are reshaping the global energy landscape and driving the need for advanced communication protocols to enable seamless integration and interoperability. The IEEE 2030.5 standard has emerged as a critical enabler for the smart grid domain, allowing efficient communication between DER devices, energy management systems, and grid operators.
The InterSTORE project, funded by the European Union’s Horizon Europe Research and Innovation programme, has enhanced the use of IEEE 2030.5 protocol by incorporating NATS messaging and JSON format support to improve data exchange, scalability, and real-time communication.
The recent White Paper explores the key findings within the framework of the InterSTORE project, highlighting the standard’s role, challenges, and recommendations for widespread adoption.
The Need for IEEE 2030.5 in the Energy Sector
The rise of renewable energy sources, electrification of transport and heating, and growing consumer participation in energy markets has increased the demand for a standardised communication protocol. IEEE 2030.5 provides a secure, scalable, and interoperable solution to manage these diverse energy assets effectively.
The InterSTORE project has taken IEEE 2030.5 to the next level by integrating:
- NATS messaging system, ensuring low-latency, many-to-many communication.
- Support for JSON format, simplifying data exchange across platforms.
- Legacy Protocol Converter (LPC) to bridge legacy energy protocols like Modbus and MQTT with IEEE 2030.5.
These advancements were tested in seven use cases, including flexibility monetisation, energy community management, battery energy storage systems (BESS), hybrid storage solutions, and electric vehicle (EV) charging clusters.
Adoption barriers:
- Lack of standardised testing and certification processes, hindering widespread deployment.
- Regulatory misalignment, requiring updates to policies across different regions.
- High costs of upgrading legacy infrastructure, slowing adoption by energy providers.
- Limited awareness and technical expertise, especially among smaller industry players.
Recommendations for Industry and Policymakers
To accelerate the adoption of IEEE 2030.5, the white paper recommends:
Regulatory Support: Governments and standardisation bodies must mandate IEEE 2030.5 compliance for DER integration.
Infrastructure Investment: Upgrading legacy systems and supporting open-source development for cost-effective implementation.
Simplified Certification Processes: Establishing automated testing tools and accreditation programs to reduce certification costs.
Collaboration Between Stakeholders: Involving energy providers, grid operators, and technology developers to ensure continuous improvement and adaptation.
IEEE 2030.5 plays a crucial role in the transition to decentralised, digitalised, and efficient energy systems. The InterSTORE project’s enhancements demonstrate the potential of the protocol to streamline DER integration, enhance grid stability, and promote energy sustainability. However, policy support, infrastructure investment, and simplified certification remain critical to overcoming adoption challenges.
With the right industry-government collaboration, IEEE 2030.5 can become the global standard for smart energy communication, enabling a more resilient, scalable, and consumer-friendly energy ecosystem.
