Germany’s largest distribution grid operator E.On has built a digital twin for its 700,000km power grid via a central data platform.

This means more than a third of the entire German distribution grid is virtually mapped. To be able to calculate the capacity and use of the grid in the digital twin, E.On uses technology from smart grid software firm Envelio.

The technology supports grid planning, grid connection and grid operation. Data from 55 million network components such as cables or transformers and more than 180,000 measuring devices are being evaluated. Further applications will be gradually implemented based on the regional requirements of the distribution grid companies within the E.On group.

Based on the data, it is possible, for example, to process requests for grid connections of wind turbines, PV systems, heat pumps or wallboxes within seconds and respond quickly. Last year, the number of grid connection requests in the German E.On grid was more than 410,000.

In addition, the model recognises where the need for grid expansion in low voltage is urgent, where sufficient capacity is available or where flexibility is needed. Since more than half of Germany’s renewable energy capacity is connected to the E.On distribution grid, the digital twin and Envelio’s technology contribute to demand-oriented grid expansion, strengthen security of supply and accelerate the energy transition.

“Our answer to the growing complexity of the energy system is digitisation,” said Victoria Ossadnik, E.On board member. “The development and introduction of new IT technologies such as Envelio’s digital twin requires innovative strength and the will to transform. Both are available at E.On to such an extent that we are setting standards in Europe with cutting-edge technology made in Germany.”

Another E.On board member Thomas König added: “Digitisation is the key to a high level of security of supply and stability of our power grids. The large-scale power outage on the Iberian Peninsula at the end of April has impressively shown how elementary a strong energy infrastructure is. Innovations such as digital twins help us to continue expanding the grid for our customers as efficiently as possible.”

In addition to the German distribution grid, E.On already has a digital twin and Envelio’s technology in use for its grids in Sweden, Czech Republic and Poland. In total, more than 70 European grid operators are digitising and automating their grids with Envelio’s intelligent grid platform, from municipal utilities to larger grid operators. The E.On subsidiary is the technology supplier of the European Union’s digital twin project in Germany. In addition, the expansion into the USA is underway.

“We are at a turning point for the further development of our energy infrastructure,” said Simon Koopmann, CEO of Cologne-based Envelio (envelio.com). “Intelligent, standardised digital options such as our digital twin not only enable more efficient operations, but also transform the power grid into a platform for the energy transition. The more grid operators cooperate and use common standards, the faster we will realise a resilient, sustainable and future-proof energy system.”

With the grid connections of wind farms, PV systems, heat pumps and charging stations, the energy transition is a Herculean task for distribution system operators such as E.On (www.eon.com). This means that even if there are enough renewable energy sources available, the energy generated must be transported efficiently via the grids. The digital twin and Envelio’s technology form a central basis for this.