Next generation distribution substation for increasing the system resilience

Project results are expected to deliver:

• Improved observability, monitoring and control of electricity distribution grids;

• Optimised grid management and maintenance by system operators, with enhanced system resilience to natural hazards and cybersecurity incidents;

• Integration of real-time decision-making processes into operational practices;

• AI-assisted analytics and decision support where applicable;

• Creation of a ‘smart substation ecosystem’ encompassing DSOs, technology providers, integrators and application developers;

• End-to-end solutions covering both high-to-medium and medium-to-low voltage network levels.

Projects must meet all of the following criteria:

• Integrate power electronics, IEDs and software solutions in distribution substations or adjacent infrastructure;

• Deliver real-time monitoring and analytics capabilities covering power quality, voltage, component status and grid performance;

• Consolidate multi-source data streams into unified visualisations and consolidated analytics;

• Define and demonstrate a flexible, programmable distribution grid architecture with smart substations as decision-making hubs;

• Run at least two demonstrators in different EU Member States and/or Associated Countries;

• Involve a minimum of five different distribution system operators (DSOs) across diverse geographies and climate conditions (DSOs may be distributed across pilots);

• Collaborate with at least two smart power substation technology suppliers and at least one transmission system operator (TSO);

• Actively contribute to the BRIDGE smart grids and storage community and its collaborative activities.