**Subject:** Feature request: Isolating entities from standard electric networks (Gleba Roboport idea)
Posted: Fri Jun 05, 2026 9:07 am
Hi! Sorry, this text an AI translation.
I have an idea for an advanced robotics mod. Part of this concept involves introducing a new roboport on Gleba that consumes nutrients instead of electricity. Since vanilla roboports are strictly tied to the global electric network, the main challenge is completely isolating this new entity from standard power grids.
To achieve this, I see a few potential API features that could help (either individual options or a combination):
1. **Script-based network isolation.**
It would be great to have a way to make an entity "invisible" to a specific power grid via script. I am not sure how the engine updates the list of power consumers, but disconnecting an entity from the standard grid would allow us to place a hidden generator that feeds *only* that specific roboport. This would let modders create custom energy adapters without interference from the main network.
2. **Linked energy buffers (bypassing the network).**
This might be harder to implement: allow two entities to share a single energy buffer, similar to how a `linked-container` works, but for electricity. A nutrient-fueled generator could charge this shared buffer directly, while the consumer drains it, completely bypassing the standard electric grid.
3. **Direct copper wire routing.**
This probably sounds the least realistic, but correct me if I'm wrong: allow a power consumer to connect strictly via copper wire, making this the *only* way for that specific entity to receive power, ignoring ambient grid connections.
Thanks for your time and attention!
I have an idea for an advanced robotics mod. Part of this concept involves introducing a new roboport on Gleba that consumes nutrients instead of electricity. Since vanilla roboports are strictly tied to the global electric network, the main challenge is completely isolating this new entity from standard power grids.
To achieve this, I see a few potential API features that could help (either individual options or a combination):
1. **Script-based network isolation.**
It would be great to have a way to make an entity "invisible" to a specific power grid via script. I am not sure how the engine updates the list of power consumers, but disconnecting an entity from the standard grid would allow us to place a hidden generator that feeds *only* that specific roboport. This would let modders create custom energy adapters without interference from the main network.
2. **Linked energy buffers (bypassing the network).**
This might be harder to implement: allow two entities to share a single energy buffer, similar to how a `linked-container` works, but for electricity. A nutrient-fueled generator could charge this shared buffer directly, while the consumer drains it, completely bypassing the standard electric grid.
3. **Direct copper wire routing.**
This probably sounds the least realistic, but correct me if I'm wrong: allow a power consumer to connect strictly via copper wire, making this the *only* way for that specific entity to receive power, ignoring ambient grid connections.
Thanks for your time and attention!