LF Energy receives US$2.5 million from Google.org for European grid tools
The funding will support four open-source projects covering energy data, network modelling and forecasting, alongside training and implementation resources.
LF Energy, an initiative of the Linux Foundation, has received US$2.5 million from Google.org to expand open-source software for electricity networks across Europe. The funding is intended to help operators use existing grid capacity more effectively.
The work will build on existing AI tools rather than create new technology from scratch, with particular attention to smaller operators and regions with fewer resources. Alex Thornton, LF Energy’s executive director, said the grant comes through INCO and supports the data and models underpinning grid applications.
Four projects will receive support:
- OpenSynth provides energy data for research and planning without revealing customer information. Its resources include 10 million synthetic household load profiles generated by AI and French transmission network topology published by RTE.
- PowSyBl supports transmission network analysis, congestion management and planning. It is already used in production by France’s RTE and the Netherlands’ TenneT.
- Power Grid Model runs thousands of distribution network scenarios simultaneously. It has exceeded 10 million downloads and is developed and used by Dutch operators Alliander, Enexis and Stedin.
- OpenSTEF uses machine learning to predict electricity demand and generation over periods ranging from minutes to days. Alliander uses it for congestion forecasts, while Sigholm applies it to district heating production planning.
The funding will also cover implementation materials, technical guidance, training and translations into several EU languages. Workshops will take place alongside LF Energy Summit Europe.
