DIGITRED

Industry and research expertise

DBA S.p.A.

Project lead, software platform development, cybersecurity, industrial integration, and compliance-oriented delivery.

Work package breakdown

WP1

Analysis and modelling

Cybersecurity, data governance, physical/statistical models, and definition of the workflow and data lifecycle architecture, with attention to privacy and anonymization.

WP2

Platform development

Digital Twin development, integration of co-simulation and forecasting models, deployment, APIs, and automated tests in CI/CD pipelines.

WP3

Testing and validation

Validation of forecasting models on real data, assessment of system benefits, techno-economic analysis, and stress testing of the distributed architecture.

WP4

Pilot case

Application of the planning workflow on a real DSO partner site, with territorial simulations, renewable, storage, and flexible-load scenarios, and recommendations for replicability.

WP5

Exploitation

Industrial valorization, stakeholder engagement, collection of declarations of interest or MoUs, participation in sector events, and public dissemination of results.

A planning environment for real distribution networks

The Italian and European regulatory context sets challenging targets for new renewable capacity. The Suitable Areas Decree sits within the framework of the PNIEC , the European Fit for 55 package, and the REPowerEU pathway. Within this framework, the identification of suitable areas is intended to guide renewable development towards the most appropriate parts of the territory, reducing permitting uncertainty and supporting planning that is coherent with existing infrastructure.

DIGITRED applies this principle at distribution-grid scale: given a defined territory, such as the area served by a primary substation, the project aims to identify cadastral parcels and local zones where new photovoltaic plants, BESS storage systems, or electric-vehicle charging infrastructure can be connected with lower investment needs on low- and medium-voltage networks.

The project valorizes anonymized real data from distribution system operators (DSOs), together with physical models, statistical models, and machine learning techniques, to transform grid measurements and topology into operational guidance. The goal is to support data-driven territorial decisions and improve the economic efficiency of connections and planning: knowing in advance where it is preferable to connect reduces unnecessary works, grid reinforcement costs, and system inefficiencies.

Italy already has a very broad information base thanks to the widespread deployment of smart meters and the rollout of 2G metering systems. DIGITRED aims to use this data asset securely and in compliance with privacy requirements, extracting value from available data to guide public and private investments towards the areas where they generate the greatest grid benefit.