For more information, press only:
PR Contact: Brenda Lovell, EMerge Alliance
Email: [email protected]
Arlington, VA— September 3, 2025 — Today, following a confirming vote of its Governing Board, EMerge Alliance announced the completion and release of Version 1.2 of its Interoperability Data Model Standard (IDM), which defines the standardized schema for organizing electrical equipment data. Its primary use will be in AI-facilitated and/or traditional software applications that identify the selection and design compatibility of OEM products in microgrids and similar distributed energy power systems. The IDM Standard is open-source licensed for general public use and is available on the EMerge Alliance website. It is also available on GitHub for public review and comment.
The IDM Standard is used to structure equipment and primary attribute information in RE+Source PRO, an online platform for equipment and services developed by Direct Energy Partners for RE+ Events. This new AI-facilitated industry information platform will be demonstrated at RE+ 25, being held at The Venetian Expo & CAESARS FORUM in Las Vegas, Nevada, on September 8-11, 2025.
The Standard’s release marks a significant milestone for the distributed energy sector, as seamless equipment interoperability is a critical factor in modernizing power infrastructure. By providing a common data language and facilitating transparent communication between manufacturers, software developers, and end-users, the IDM Standard paves the way for more reliable and efficient integration of advanced technologies into emerging microgrid networks. The collaborative effort behind the Standard’s creation reflects the growing consensus within the industry to break down silos and enable greater innovation at the grid edge. “It fulfills a gateway requirement to move the industry forward in the digital transition of our domestic and worldwide power systems as we move toward new architectures that embrace distributed power generation, storage management and distribution, and greater use of direct current technology,” said Brian Patterson, Chair of the EMerge Alliance.
“The IDM takes a vital step toward accelerating the deployment of microgrids by giving designers standardized datasheets and machine-readable JSON models for every device. This makes it easier to verify compatibility, automate specifications, and streamline design – cutting soft costs and speeding reliable deployment,” remarked Dusan Brhlik, CEO, Direct Energy Partners.
Founded in 2008, EMerge Alliance is the global leader in creating direct current and microgrid vanguard standards and technical education. The association has a variety of vanguard efforts in technical standards and regularly demonstrates “live” microgrids at major industry trade shows in cooperation with RE+ Events.
The IDM Standard is copyrighted by EMerge Alliance 2025 and licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 – All Rights Reserved.