Periodic Reporting for period 2 - IntNET (Interoperability Network for the Energy Transition)
Reporting period: 2023-11-01 to 2025-10-31
Interoperability depends on cooperation of multiple domains. While for the energy sector technical interoperability is quite well established, interoperability of functions and businesses needs more attention. Even when standards are defined and interoperability models agreed, framework setters, product developers and users need to agree on their deployment and make sure that solutions are compatible. The Interoperability Network for the Energy Transition project (int:net) establishes an open, cross-domain community bringing together all stakeholders relevant for the European energy sector to jointly work on developing, testing and deploying interoperable energy services. The community will be formally established to exist beyond project life-time. With a comprehensive, FAIR knowledge platform and a series of attractive events it guides those who deal with the heterogeneous interoperability landscape of energy services. To support ongoing harmonization of energy services, int:net will institutionalise an assessment methodology and maturity model (IMM). Involving legal and regulatory bodies from the beginning and constant exchange of interoperability initiatives and standardization bodies will build a deep consensus on how European governance and industry can foster interoperability at all levels. Starting from an extraordinary well balanced consortium of researchers, framework setters, standardisation and communication experts, int:net’s community approach guarantees wide outreach. Int:net will establish a framework for interoperability testing and harmonize test procedures in a network of closely cooperating testing facilities. Energy service solutions based on the novel IMM and tested according to the int:net certification process will be awarded with a widely known quality seal.
A central knowledge base was created, compiling a collection of national and international interoperablity activities into a common repository and analyzing relevant use-cases. This repository, along with the methodology for use-case analysis, was published to support ongoing research.
Furthermore, the EMINENT Interoperability Maturity Model was created; a structured framework designed to evaluate and enhance interoperability maturity across organizations. EMINENT was validated through an industry workshop at OSMSES 2024. The model, along with its supporting tools, was released via GitHub, ensuring broad accessibility and practical application.
To standardize interoperability testing, the project consolidated testing approaches and established a public inventory of European testing facilities. This effort included the development of a blueprint for new facilities and the formation of a pan-European community. Key enabling tools, such as the Lab Data Space, ODC-Tester for semantic compliance, and the Energy Data Spaces Interoperability Lab, were deployed to support collaborative and reproducible testing across distributed infrastructures.
In the realm of standardization and regulatory coordination, int:net produced critical resources, including standardization matrices, blogs, and sevaral position papers. The project introduced the sixth SGAM “Framework” layer and the Tube-in-the-Cube concept as well as contributing to the CEEDS Blueprint and the Interoperability Compass. These tools provide structured guidance on governance, testing, and regulatory alignment, ensuring that interoperability requirements are embedded in future energy systems.
Community and network building were central to int:net’s success. The project launched the Interoperability People and Project Connector (IntPPC), a sustainable platform for ongoing knowledge exchange with over 180 members. High-impact events, including the int:net Summer School, The Think Tank, 3rd Cross-Sector Symposium, and Final Conference, fostered collaboration and dialogue among stakeholders. The “IntMAS approved” label was registered and awarded to two pilot organizations, ensuring the long-term sustainability of the project’s community and tools.
Furthermore, the EMINENT Interoperability Maturity Model was created; a structured framework designed to evaluate and enhance interoperability maturity across organizations. EMINENT was validated through an industry workshop at OSMSES 2024. The model, along with its supporting tools, was released via GitHub, ensuring broad accessibility and practical application.
To standardize interoperability testing, the project consolidated testing approaches and established a public inventory of European testing facilities. This effort included the development of a blueprint for new facilities and the formation of a pan-European community. Key enabling tools, such as the Lab Data Space, ODC-Tester for semantic compliance, and the Energy Data Spaces Interoperability Lab, were deployed to support collaborative and reproducible testing across distributed infrastructures.
In the realm of standardization and regulatory coordination, int:net produced critical resources, including standardization matrices, blogs, and sevaral position papers. The project introduced the sixth SGAM “Framework” layer and the Tube-in-the-Cube concept as well as contributing to the CEEDS Blueprint and the Interoperability Compass. These tools provide structured guidance on governance, testing, and regulatory alignment, ensuring that interoperability requirements are embedded in future energy systems.
Community and network building were central to int:net’s success. The project launched the Interoperability People and Project Connector (IntPPC), a sustainable platform for ongoing knowledge exchange with over 180 members. High-impact events, including the int:net Summer School, The Think Tank, 3rd Cross-Sector Symposium, and Final Conference, fostered collaboration and dialogue among stakeholders. The “IntMAS approved” label was registered and awarded to two pilot organizations, ensuring the long-term sustainability of the project’s community and tools.
1. Knowledge Base and Interoperability Use Cases
- Repository of 500+ interoperability use cases, with 53 analyzed in detail
- Catalogue of interoperability initiatives in the energy domain
- Analysis of the interoperability value chain and business models
Potential Impacts:
- Comprehensive overview of interoperability activities in Europe
- Support standardization and harmonization across the energy sector
For Further Uptake:
- Continuous updates and maintenance of the repository
- Active dissemination to stakeholders
2. EMINENT – Interoperability Maturity Model (IMM)
- Developed the EMINENT maturity model and an assessment tools
- Validated through a workshop at OSMSES 2024
Potential Impacts:
- Enables structured self-assessment and benchmarking of interoperability readiness
- Promotes harmonization across organizations
For Further Uptake:
- Training and capacity-building for users
- Integration with certification and funding
3. Harmonized Framework for Interoperability Testing
- Consolidated 22 testing approaches into a structured knowledge base
- Developed the ODC-Tester for semantic compliance verification
- Published a public inventory of 30 European testing facilities and a blueprint for new facilities
Potential Impacts:
- Provides guidance for harmonized testing across technical, semantic, organizational, and legal layers
- Supports the formation of a pan-European network of testing facilities
For Further Uptake:
- Adoption by testing facilities
- Further development of tools like the ODC-Tester
4. Standardization and Regulatory Framework Analysis
- Created living documents to track standardization activities
- Developed the sixth SGAM "Framework" layer and the Tube-in-the-Cube concept
- Published position papers (incl. CEEDS Blueprint)
Potential Impacts:
- Supports alignment with EU regulatory frameworks
- Promotes cross-domain integration and reduces standardization gaps
For Further Uptake:
- Engagement with policymakers to adopt recommendations
- Continuous updates to living documents
5. Community Building and Networking
- Established the Interoperability People and Project Connector (IntPPC) platform
- Created the "IntMAS approved" label for organizations following IntMAS process
Potential Impacts:
- Fosters a sustainable European interoperability ecosystem
- Encourages collaboration and knowledge exchange
For Further Uptake:
- Active moderation and growth of the IntPPC platform
- Expansion of the IntMAS label
- Repository of 500+ interoperability use cases, with 53 analyzed in detail
- Catalogue of interoperability initiatives in the energy domain
- Analysis of the interoperability value chain and business models
Potential Impacts:
- Comprehensive overview of interoperability activities in Europe
- Support standardization and harmonization across the energy sector
For Further Uptake:
- Continuous updates and maintenance of the repository
- Active dissemination to stakeholders
2. EMINENT – Interoperability Maturity Model (IMM)
- Developed the EMINENT maturity model and an assessment tools
- Validated through a workshop at OSMSES 2024
Potential Impacts:
- Enables structured self-assessment and benchmarking of interoperability readiness
- Promotes harmonization across organizations
For Further Uptake:
- Training and capacity-building for users
- Integration with certification and funding
3. Harmonized Framework for Interoperability Testing
- Consolidated 22 testing approaches into a structured knowledge base
- Developed the ODC-Tester for semantic compliance verification
- Published a public inventory of 30 European testing facilities and a blueprint for new facilities
Potential Impacts:
- Provides guidance for harmonized testing across technical, semantic, organizational, and legal layers
- Supports the formation of a pan-European network of testing facilities
For Further Uptake:
- Adoption by testing facilities
- Further development of tools like the ODC-Tester
4. Standardization and Regulatory Framework Analysis
- Created living documents to track standardization activities
- Developed the sixth SGAM "Framework" layer and the Tube-in-the-Cube concept
- Published position papers (incl. CEEDS Blueprint)
Potential Impacts:
- Supports alignment with EU regulatory frameworks
- Promotes cross-domain integration and reduces standardization gaps
For Further Uptake:
- Engagement with policymakers to adopt recommendations
- Continuous updates to living documents
5. Community Building and Networking
- Established the Interoperability People and Project Connector (IntPPC) platform
- Created the "IntMAS approved" label for organizations following IntMAS process
Potential Impacts:
- Fosters a sustainable European interoperability ecosystem
- Encourages collaboration and knowledge exchange
For Further Uptake:
- Active moderation and growth of the IntPPC platform
- Expansion of the IntMAS label