InterSCADA

The ongoing transformation of the energy sector, driven by the Green Deal and the REPowerEU plan, makes the integration of renewable energy sources more urgent than ever. To ensure a resilient, efficient, and secure power grid, Transmission System Operators (TSOs) and Distribution System Operators (DSOs) must adopt innovative solutions for monitoring, control, and optimization.

InterSCADA envisions a modular, vendor-independent SCADA platform that enables seamless integration of hybrid AC/DC grids and island DC systems. By developing advanced algorithms, real-time monitoring tools, and decision-support systems, InterSCADA will enhance grid stability and energy management. The platform will provide a unified interface for system operators, ensuring interoperability, secure data exchange, and efficient control of multi-terminal, multi-vendor power systems.

To achieve this vision, InterSCADA will focus on:

• Developing innovative algorithms and software tools for real-time system analysis and hybrid grid control.
• Ensuring interoperability through standardized protocols and open architectures for AC/DC network management.
• Testing and validating solutions in real-world demonstrators to refine functionalities and improve system resilience.
• Providing regulatory recommendations to support the evolution of grid codes for hybrid energy systems.

By addressing these challenges, InterSCADA will empower TSOs and DSOs with the digital tools needed to manage the complexities of the evolving energy landscape while supporting Europe’s transition to a low-carbon, secure, and cost-effective energy future.

InterSCADA will run from 01.10.2024 to 30.09.2027.

Hybrid AC/DC networks improve efficiency, stability, and renewable energy integration. DC transmission minimizes energy losses over long distances, ideal for offshore wind and cross-border connections. These systems enhance power flow control, reducing grid congestion and adapting to supply fluctuations. By supporting inverter-based resources and battery storage, hybrid grids provide a reliable, future-ready solution for sustainable energy.

Open-source modular SCADA systems offer flexibility and cost efficiency by enabling seamless integration of diverse components, reducing reliance on proprietary solutions. Their transparency and open architecture enhance security and innovation, as a global community contributes to improvements. The modular design allows for incremental upgrades, ensuring grid operators can adopt new functionalities without costly overhauls.

The challenges faced by InterSCADA primarily concern the growing complexity of grid monitoring and control caused by the integration of hybrid AC/DC and islanded DC systems, the limited experience of many grid operators in handling DC distribution networks, and the lack of standardized hardware, data models, and interoperable solutions for these new networks. Additional hurdles include the technical difficulties of integrating existing control systems (legacy systems) and the insufficient accuracy of grid state estimation, which can lead to suboptimal operational decisions and negatively impact stability and efficiency. For a future-proof grid infrastructure, it is also essential to develop secure, scalable, and vendor-independent SCADA systems that can seamlessly interact with European energy data spaces and existing digital services.

InterSCADA will address these challenges and aims to deliver the following results:

• An open, modular, and vendor-independent SCADA reference architecture for hybrid AC/DC grids.
• Methods and tools for precise grid state estimation, stability assessment, and optimal power flow calculation.
• Interoperability and data integration between SCADA services, energy data spaces, and existing legacy systems.
• Cybersecurity tools to ensure the resilience, integrity, and consistency of data communication.
• Blueprints, technical guidelines, and recommendations for further development of regulations and standards.
• The InterSCADA platform, demonstrated in four pilot applications under real-life conditions.
• Open-source release and engagement of relevant stakeholders.

• Fraunhofer FIT (Konsortialführer)
• Fraunhofer IEE
• DERLab
• ASM
• EPRI Europe
• CIRCE
• IPTO
• Red Electrica 
• Elewit
• Artel
• SINTEF
• IEN
• RWTH
• COMSENSUS
• ICONS
• Uni Kassel
• Statnett
• RTE