DUBLIN (28th Nov. 2024) – A flexible control system is vital for grid operators across Europe to keep the grid stable while managing different energy generation sources. This is increasingly important as the European energy sector seeks to meet net-zero commitments. To address this, Dublin-based EPRI Europe is joining forces with 17 other European entities for a EU project called InterSCADA.

InterSCADA (Interoperable, Scalable and seCure AC-DC modular Automation system) is an EU co-funded Horizon Europe project. The new InterSCADA platform will be deployed and tested in four European countries: France, Greece, Italy, and Spain. The goal is to ensure the solutions envisaged are replicable in diverse geographical settings, as well as against different regulatory and technical requirements.

Renewable energy sources like wind and solar need to be connected to power grids using electronic converters and also require building direct current (DC) lines and smaller networks. This makes modern power systems a mix of alternate current (AC) and DC. However, keeping these mixed systems stable and running smoothly is difficult for those managing the power distribution and transmission. 

“Think of it like a smart traffic control system that can handle both cars and bikes on the same road, making sure everything flows without problems. This is the vision behind InterSCADA, to develop and test a modular SCADA platform to help operators across Europe reach system stability in increasingly hybrid AC/DC power networks,” said Eamonn Lannoye, EPRI Europe managing director. “To this end, at EPRI Europe, we are analysing current methods for managing and controlling hybrid AC/DC power systems, identifying areas for technical and regulatory improvement, and proposing a new architecture to enhance the effectiveness of SCADA systems.”  

The open-source, vendor-independent software framework will correspond to a modular SCADA platform, for the analysis and control of hybrid AC/DC power grids at multiple voltage levels. It could help electricity operators across Europe to quickly respond to sudden system perturbations like power outages, imbalance between supply and demand or cyber-attacks, add new monitoring and control functions and stay aware of what’s happening in the system.

“Cooperation is key for innovating with impact, and so we work alongside different energy stakeholders both from the project team and beyond. Together, we will bridge the gap between AC and DC control systems with an open, modular, and adaptable solutions and see how we can drive these innovations forward,” stated Project Coordinator Professor Antonello Monti, head of Energy System Automation at the Fraunhofer FIT, Center for Digital Energy.

InterSCADA is running from October 2024 to September 2027. It involves 18 partners from nine EU countries and Taiwan. It is co-funded by the European Union’s Horizon Europe Programme, under grant agreement 101173007.