PlatOne

  This project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under grant agreement No 864300.  

Title

PLATform for Operation of distribution Networks

Concept

To manage energy transition, DSOs require innovative tools. Volatile renewable energy sources in combination with less predictable consumption patterns call for higher levels of observability and exploitation of flexibility. While these two challenges are traditionally treated with separate means, PlatOne proposes an innovative approach to a joint data management for both. Fully respecting the existing regulatory framework, a layered set of platforms will allow to meet the needs of system operators, aggregators and end users. A blockchain based platform is the access layer to generators’ and customers’ flexibilities able to break traditional access barriers by providing certified measures to all the players. In conjunction, certified data and signals will be used for an innovative DSO platform to locally maintain system integrity fostering confidence in flexibility operations. An upper layer will implement a new concept of blockchain-based open market platform to link the local system to the TSO domains and enhance the overall system cost efficiency. Because flexibility means customer involvement, PlatOne puts the grid users at the centre, investigates their needs and expectations and uses the underlying blockchain to unlock the potentials of higher dynamics of response. The platforms will be tested in 3 large pilots in Europe and analysed in cooperation with a large research initiative in Canada. Thanks to strategic partnerships and a unique consortium structure with an excellent network, PlatOne can offer an unprecedented effort of dissemination and exploitation with focus on DSO experts and final users.

Participants

• Ricerca sul Sistema Energetico – RSE SPA, Italy
• European Distrubution System Poerators for Smart Grids, Belgium
• Acena Energia SPA, Italy
• Siemens SPA, Italy
• Apio SRL, Italy
• Areti SPA, Italy
• Diacheiristis Ellinikou Diktyou Dianomis Elektrikis Energeias AE, Greece
• National Technical University of Athens – NTUA, Greece
• B.A.U.M. Consult GmbH, Germany
• AVACON Netz GmbH, Germany
• Engineering – Ingegneria Informatica SPA, Italy

Success Story

In 2021, the Joint Research Centre (JRC) published a report on EU research and innovation (R&I) projects in the field of smart grids funded by the European Commission. This report points out that, among universities, RWTH Aachen University has been the most successful applicant in the field of smart grids in the last years. On behalf of RWTH Aachen University, Prof. Antonello Monti, Ph.D. and his team from the Institute for Automation of Complex Power Systems participated in 18 EU projects from which he coordinated three projects.