In a high-stakes test of open source technology for critical infrastructure, National Grid Electricity Transmission (NGET) and GE Vernova have successfully demonstrated that LF Energy’s SEAPATH project can power the next generation of Virtualized Protection and Control (VPAC) systems in the UK’s electrical grid.
The collaboration, which began in late 2022, set out to answer a pivotal question: Can open source be trusted with real-time, mission-critical energy operations? The answer appears to be a resounding yes.
Why This Matters
As electrical grids grow more complex, and demands on reliability and sustainability increase, utilities are under pressure to modernize. Digitalization offers a pathway, but the transition is often bogged down by aging infrastructure, expensive proprietary solutions, and a global shortage of engineering talent.
VPAC systems promise to streamline protection, automation, and control by virtualizing many of the functions traditionally tied to physical equipment. But these systems require exceptional performance, low latency, and rock-solid reliability, standards typically reserved for closed, high-cost platforms.
The SEAPATH Edge
SEAPATH (Software Enabled Automation Platform and Artifacts) is an open source, real-time hypervisor designed specifically for the energy sector. Built on a preemptive Linux kernel with KVM and QEMU, the platform enables high availability virtual environments tailored for digital substations.
NGET and GE Vernova pushed the platform to its limits in a proof-of-concept project, optimizing it for performance, resilience, and scalability. The results included:
- 4–5 ms latency for GOOSE message protection—matching or exceeding industry standards.
- Over 25 Sampled Value (SV) streams per VM—a major win for scalability.
- Self-healing redundancy and failover, validated through extensive testing.
- Remote deployment and testing, cutting the need for on-site engineering work.
The Bottom Line
The project showed a step change in total cost of ownership by slashing both OPEX and CAPEX. Savings came from faster deployment cycles, simplified hardware needs, remote maintenance capabilities, and lower costs for patching and spare parts.
The validation of GE Vernova’s EdgeOS as a runtime environment further bolsters the platform’s credibility for real-time grid protection.
What’s Next
The success of the project is already shaping SEAPATH’s roadmap. Upcoming developments include:
- Expanded protection functionality within virtual environments
- Greater scalability across containers and VMs
- Integrated cybersecurity enhancements
The results were presented at major industry events including CIGRE Paris, LF Energy Summit Brussels, and DISTRIBUTECH 2025—signaling growing momentum for SEAPATH across the energy sector.
A Turning Point for Open Source in Energy
Where once open source was seen as a risky proposition for grid operations, SEAPATH and its backers are proving it can be secure, scalable, and future-ready.
As NGET and GE Vernova push ahead, the broader industry will be watching closely, and likely following suit.
🔗 Read the full case study: LF Energy SEAPATH Case Study PDF