How Kitu Systems Built the Architecture to Power One Million DERs
Executive Summary
The need for scalable platforms has become critical as utilities face the rapid growth of distributed energy resources (DERs), requiring real-time control and data management. In response to this demand, Kitu Systems has successfully scaled its Citadel platform to manage over one million active DERs. Key innovations include containerized cloud-native deployment with Kubernetes, a migration to PostgreSQL for improved data performance, a cost-effective, cloud-agnostic testing framework, and more. Compliance with IEEE 2030.5 and CSIP/CSIP-AUS ensures interoperability and regulatory alignment, while advanced soak testing and negative test scenarios confirm platform resilience. Real-world deployments with Australian Distribution Network Service Providers (DNSPs) and aggregators validate Citadel’s readiness at scale. Kitu Systems recommends a forward-looking approach to DER management, prioritizing open standards, cloud flexibility, and scalable architecture to meet the evolving demands of the modern grid.
Introduction
The energy landscape is undergoing rapid transformation. As utilities and grid operators face the accelerating adoption of DERs including solar, battery storage, electric vehicle (EV) charging, and demand response systems, the need for scalable, secure, and interoperable management solutions has never been more urgent. Traditional grid infrastructures, originally designed for one-way power flows, must now adapt to the dynamic, bidirectional complexity introduced by millions of interconnected assets.
Managing DERs at scale demands more than pilot projects and small deployments. It requires enterprise-grade platforms capable of delivering real-time visibility, intelligent control, and seamless integration without extensive infrastructure overhauls. Scalability, security, interoperability, and performance must be engineered into the very foundation of the system.
Kitu Systems’ Citadel platform is designed with this challenge in mind. Citadel enables utilities and energy providers to integrate, aggregate, and control vast numbers of DERs, all while adhering to open standards like IEEE 2030.5 and CSIP / CSIP-AUS, ensuring flexibility, security, and future-proofing operation. Through its optional Northgate API, Citadel also offers low-friction integration with utility systems and third-party DERMS.
This commitment to open standards and scalability has been critical to Kitu Systems’ work with our partner in Australia, supporting DNSPs and aggregators in the region. Through this partnership, we are enabling utilities to manage growing solar energy deployments while maintaining grid stability, ensuring compliance with Australia’s evolving energy regulations, and paving the way for broader renewable energy adoption. These real-world deployments, which are already live, demonstrate Citadel’s ability to deliver at scale today.
This white paper details Kitu Systems’ journey to one million endpoints, highlighting the key milestones, challenges overcome, and innovations developed along the way. Our experience offers a clear roadmap for utilities aiming to future-proof their operations and meet rising energy demands with greater agility and confidence.
