Energy Exemplar buys SIMONE Research Group and LIWACOM

Energy Exemplar said Sept. 1 it acquired Prague-based SIMONE Research Group and Essen, Germany-based LIWACOM Informationstechnik to expand its gas network modeling capabilities. The deal links SIMONE’s physical pipeline simulation with PLEXOS economic modeling, aiming to give operators a more complete view of gas network operations and market strategy.

Why it matters: - The deal expands Energy Exemplar’s reach in gas transmission and distribution, where operators need to balance physical network constraints with market economics. - The combined platform is positioned to help customers test scenarios across both network flows and economic outcomes, which matters as gas systems evolve to include biomethane, hydrogen and carbon dioxide. - SIMONE’s leak detection and predictive risk analysis add operational monitoring tools that can help operators respond before network problems escalate.

What happened: - Energy Exemplar announced Sept. 1, 2026, that it acquired SIMONE Research Group in Prague and LIWACOM Informationstechnik in Essen. - SIMONE and LIWACOM are described as global leaders in the simulation and optimization of gas transport and distribution. - The acquisition combines SIMONE’s physical network modeling with Energy Exemplar’s economic modeling platform, PLEXOS.

The details: - SIMONE software has more than 50 years of development behind it and is used by more than 100 operators across 50 countries. - SIMONE supports gas transmission and distribution operators with real-time visibility, leak detection, future-condition prediction and operational optimization. - The software can model all types of gases, including biomethane, hydrogen and carbon dioxide. - LIWACOM has worked as SIMONE Research Group’s development partner for decades. - LIWACOM contributed to SIMONE’s user interface, real-time functions and SCADA integration. - LIWACOM also developed a metrology-approved gas quality and billing reconstruction capability. - National metrology agencies in several European countries have officially recognized that capability for regulatory billing purposes. - Energy Exemplar said the acquisition deepens its expertise in the gas commodity space and extends its reach into TSO and DSO segments. - David Wilson, Energy Exemplar CEO, said the acquisition connects the physical and economic dimensions of the energy system. - Marko Haulis, CEO of SIMONE Research Group, said joining Energy Exemplar gives customers a larger partner with more resources while preserving continuity of products, teams and relationships. - Martin Mans, managing director of LIWACOM Informationstechnik, said the companies’ long-standing industry relationships align with Energy Exemplar’s customer success focus.

Between the lines: - The transaction is more than a software add-on. It links planning for network physics with planning for market economics, which can reduce blind spots for gas operators. - Energy Exemplar is also signaling that gas will remain an important part of its broader energy modeling platform even as the sector moves toward lower-carbon fuels. - The emphasis on preserving product continuity suggests Energy Exemplar wants to reassure existing SIMONE customers during the ownership transition.

What’s next: - Energy Exemplar said continued investment in the SIMONE roadmap will follow the acquisition. - Customers can expect tighter integration between SIMONE’s physical network validation and PLEXOS scenario modeling. - The company is also extending its software portfolio with AI capabilities to help energy decision makers act faster and with more confidence.

The bottom line: - Energy Exemplar is betting that the most valuable energy modeling tools will combine physical network simulation, economic analysis and operational risk detection in one workflow.