The Interoperability Compass (IOP Compass) is as a comprehensive capacity building tool displaying regulations, standards, and testing facilities.
The IOP Compass represents a key output of the int:net project, developed under Work Package 4 which dealt with Interoperability Frameworks. It serves as a comprehensive, user-friendly digital instrument to provide a single point of access to information on interoperability-related regulations, standards, roles, actors, testing facilities, and communities linked to the int:net use cases.
Designed as a capacity-building and awareness-raising tool, the IOP Compass enables users to understand and apply interoperability principles in a practical and actionable way. It simplifies complex technical and regulatory information, thereby fostering broad stakeholder engagement and buy-in for interoperable solutions across the energy system and related sectors.
The interactive online tool guides users through three simple steps:
- Select a Use Case,
- Choose a category (Regulation, Data, Roles & Actors, Communities, Testing), and
- Explore content boxes displaying curated and verified information.
The interoperability compass is designed as an interactive circular interface around the 5 int:net use cases:
- Energy Communities
- EV charging
- RES integraton
- Home Energy Management Systems
- Flexibility services
Each use case is represented as a different section of the compass and can be explored further by clicking to reveal its 5 subcategories. The number of subcategories is 5 given the fact that they are linked to each of the specific int:net work packages:
- Regulation: This subcategory highlights relevant legal frameworks and policies and it also displays compliance requirements for each of the UCs (if any).
- Data: This subcategory provides insights into the role of data in enabling interoperability and it also features an interactive map showcasing existing ontologies, data models, and standards.
- Roles & Actors: This subcategory maps key stakeholders, organizations, and entities but also provides descriptions of their roles in the ecosystem and how do they interact in the specific UC.
- Interoperability Communities: This subcategory displays the existing networks and communities involved in interoperability on that specific UC. In addition to that Includes links to initiatives, working groups, and collaboration opportunities – to link with our int:net community maybe.
- Testing: Here the users can find a maps with the different testing facilities in Europe, that are relevant for the specific UC, the available approaches and methods, tools and frameworks, and reference test cases and interoperability profiles.
Why does the IOP Compass matter?The IOP Compass has been validated through multiple use cases and user groups. It will be integrated into the IntPPC platform as a permanent, open-access reference tool, supporting Europe’s transition toward a harmonised and interoperable energy ecosystem.
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