For the EU to achieve its goal of decarbonizing all energy consumption by 2040 and making the European Union the first climate-neutral economic area, a lot has to be still set in motion. One piece of the puzzle which will probably contribute significantly to achieving the goal is the ‘EU Action Plan to digitalize the energy system’. Actually, the “TwinEU” project has also been developed on the basis of this action plan. As the name implies, the aim is to create a digital twin of the electricity system that maps the entire European grid as identically as possible. A digital twin of the energy system is a virtual representation of reality, and a digital version of the real energy grid.
Creation of a digital twin of the electricity grid
The situation of the electricity grids across Europe can be compared to the situation of the charging systems of mobile phones which also had to be harmonized so that every smartphone can be charged with any charging cable: although the entire European grid uses the uniform frequency of 50 Hertz, numerous adjustments are still necessary to harmonize and synchronize the system so that it will be even better connected and can be used to its full capacity. One of these necessary adjustments is the definition of a common language for exchanging data. “In addition to expanding capacities the digitalization of our grids is key to integrating all players of the energy system of the future to harness their flexibilities for the benefit of the electricity grid. Technology will help us to manage load flows even better and to interconnect prosumers. Only if we succeed in digitalizing the entire system, will we be able to achieve the energy transition without jeopardizing the security of supply “, says Christoph Schuh, spokesperson of APG.
The digital twin enables APG to develop new simulation models and thus both increase the security of supply and operate the grid in an even more customer-centered way. “If this project is successful, it will be easier for everyone to identify deficits and take the appropriate measures to improve the situation for our customers“, says Schuh. A total of 75 partners are involved in the project, including 14 TSOs (Transmission System Operators) in addition to APG. The project, which is supposed to run for 3 years, was launched in January and receives 20 million in EU funds.
The prerequisite for the energy transition is the transformation of the energy system without jeopardizing the security of supply. The cross-sectoral electrification of society, businesses and industry will only be possible if the entire energy demand can be covered with energy generated from renewable sources and all players can be digitally integrated into the overall system. "Currently there is no overall system plan for the energy transition comprising all local administrative levels, and the expansion of the electricity grids in particular is taking far too long due to the lack of a legal framework. The "Twin EU" research project that has now been launched is an important element with regard to overall system planning at a European level," concludes Schuh.
By investing in research and development in the form of around 60 innovation projects, APG is finding new ways to facilitate the creation of a digital, reliable, efficient and sustainable electricity world of the future which promotes the electrification of society, businesses and industry.
About Austrian Power Grid (APG)
As independent transmission system operator Austrian Power Grid (APG) is in charge of ensuring the security of electricity supply in Austria. With our high-performance and digital electricity infrastructure and the use of state-of-the-art technologies we integrate renewable energies, we are the platform for the electricity market, and we provide access to reasonably priced electricity for Austria’s consumers and thus create the basis for Austria as supply-secure and future-oriented industrial and business location and place to live. The APG grid totals a length of about 3,400 km and is operated, maintained and continuously adapted to the increasing challenges of the electrification of businesses, industry and society by a team of approximately 850 specialists. 67 substations are distributed all over Austria and the majority is operated remotely from APG’s control center in Vienna’s 10th district. Thanks to our committed employees Austria had a security of supply of 99.99 percent also in 2023 and thus ranks among the top countries worldwide. Our investments of 445 million euros in 2024 (2023: 490 million euros, 2022: 370 million euros) are a motor for the Austrian economy and a crucial factor in reaching Austria’s climate and energy targets. Until 2034 APG will invest a total of approximately 9 billion euros in grid expansion and renovation projects.
Press contact
Christoph Schuh
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