The pandemic has not interrupted the process of energy transition and the evolution of distribution infrastructures as a catalyst for the transition from a linear to a distributed model. In the words of the CEO of E-Distribution, Vincent Ranieri, the pandemic has made sector operators more aware of the centrality of their role, to ensure an essential service.
The ability to adapt and the resilience shown in extraordinary emergency conditions have meant that the change process in place of the energy system could continue.
This is demonstrated by a fundamental fact: during the first phase of the epidemiological crisis, 50 per cent of electricity consumption was covered by renewables, therefore growing in the market share in the face of a reduction in energy demand.
The has changed paradigm for the networks of the future. electric flow of large infrastructures is no longer exclusively from large power plants to end customers, but – thanks to technological innovation – there are flows that go backwards from local communities to storage systems, from small producers to consumers.
All this is guaranteed by Smart Grids. Among other things, the Politecnico di Milano, in collaboration with the Enel Group, has already launched a International master's degree dedicated to training experts in the field of Smart Grids. This technology constitutes the main infrastructure for the decarbonisation and electrification of the global energy system through the full integration of distributed generation from renewable sources and the active participation of consumers in the energy market.
An example? The "Apulia Active Network”, a project started in 2014, with the co-financing of the European Commission, which represents a concrete implementation of intelligent and flexible networks which, by collecting the energy produced by renewable plants, guarantee the introduction into the network of an ever greater quantity, optimizing the distribution of loads and consequently providing a quality service to the user.
This technological ecosystem is the basis of a broader digital ecosystem called "Network Digital Twin”, recognized by the World Economic Forum as one of the main innovations in the energy field of the last ten years.
What is it about? Of a system capable of replicating in a virtual way – exploiting the technologies ofartificial intelligence and augmented reality – the entire network, simulating its complex behavior and being able to predict and prevent mechanical failures, thus reducing inefficiencies and costs.
Network Digital Twin does not belong to a distant future, but it is becoming a reality, being the basis of concrete projects with the aim of contributing to the sustainable development of our cities.
