Supporting digitalisation of Distribution System Operators for a smart energy transition (Smart Grid Academy)
Programme Category
Programme Name
Programme Description
The LIFE Programme is the EU’s funding instrument for the environment and climate action. The general objective of LIFE is to contribute to the implementation, updating and development of EU environmental and climate policy and legislation by co-financing projects with European added value. After 22 years, €3.4 billion and 4.170 projects, the LIFE Programme continues to finance actions for the environment and climate action.
Identifier Code
Call
Summary
Proposals are expected to support DSOs, in particular small/local DSOs, to build necessary in-house capacity, knowledge and skills to modernise and digitalise their activities, allowing them to play a key role in the clean energy transition. To do so, proposals should support DSOs in developing a Digitalisation Roadmap and support them in embedding this Roadmap, fully or partially, in the DSO’s Distribution Network Development Plan (DNDP).
Detailed Call Description
The Digitalisation Roadmap should not be a standardised document, but tailor-made to the size, grid typology and digital readiness level of each DSO. The Digitalisation Roadmap should cover at least the following areas depending on the specificities of each DSO:
- Data Exchange and Interoperability: Create the conditions for DSOs to exchange data with other electricity market stakeholders, such as Transmission System Operators (TSOs), consumers or distributed energy producers, to enhance the efficiency and reliability of the energy system, for example:
- Integrate data from different sources into a cohesive operational frame (e.g. from smart meters, GIS, SCADA, sensors, etc.)
- Enhance data governance across planning and operations, improve data quality, define data architectures, information models and standards
- Improve data interoperability and enable real-time data-exchange with other DSOs, TSOs or with market participants as relevant
- Grid Observability: Increase the observability of distribution networks, enabling DSOs to better plan and manage the grid, predict demand and integrate distributed energy resources, while minimising curtailment and reducing energy losses, including:
- Real-time monitoring and control of distribution network assets, e.g. through IoT sensors, ICT systems, digital twins
- Enable observability and integration of distributed energy resources (DERs), e.g. solar panels, batteries, heat pumps and EV chargers
- Design necessary tools, such as market platforms and energy management systems (EMSs), to enable flexibility and other demand side services in coordination with TSOs, DSOs, and market participants
- Artificial Intelligence (AI): Support the deployment of AI solutions in distribution management systems, enabling DSOs to optimise grid operations, predict energy demand, and improve customer service, including:
- Integrate AI models in advanced distribution management systems (ADMS): e.g. for grid congestion, voltage control, load and weather forecasting etc.
- Use AI to enhance security (and cybersecurity) of distribution network, e.g. forecasting extreme events
- Support in deploying high-risk AI systems: testing and validation of AI systems, legal support and regulatory compliance
- Use AI and digital solutions in grid connection procedures, for faster processing of connections where relevant
Other areas where digitalisation could improve efficiency of a DSO and of the distribution network and contribute to the expected impacts of the call, could also be in scope, for example grid planning, procurement, permitting, energy efficiency services, customer service etc.
Call Total Budget
Financing percentage by EU or other bodies / Level of Subsidy or Loan
95%
Thematic Categories
- Education and training
- Employment
- Energy
- Environment and Climate Change
- Industry
- Public Administration
- Small-Medium Enterprises and Competitiveness
Eligibility for Participation
- Associations
- Businesses
- Educational Institutions
- Legal Entities
- Private Bodies
- Researchers/Research Centers/Institutions
- Semi-governmental organisations
- Services Providers
- State-owned Enterprises
- Training Centres
Eligibility For Participation Notes
In order to be eligible, the applicants (beneficiaries and affiliated entities) must:
- be legal entities (public or private bodies)
- be established in one of the eligible countries, i.e.:
- EU Member States (including overseas countries and territories (OCTs))
- non-EU countries:
- listed EEA countries and countries associated to the LIFE Programme
- the coordinator must be established in an eligible country
Beneficiaries and affiliated entities must register in the Participant Register — before submitting the proposal — and will have to be validated by the Central Validation Service (REA Validation). For the validation, they will be requested to upload documents showing legal status and origin.
Other entities may participate in other consortium roles, such as associated partners, subcontractors, third parties giving in-kind contributions, etc (see section 13 of the Call Document).
Participation of European / national / regional associations of DSO is encouraged.
Proposals should promote collaboration activities and knowledge sharing among DSOs and relevant stakeholders including but not limited to technology providers, regulations, customers and energy communities.
Call Opening Date
Call Closing Date
National Contact Point(s)
Department of Environment
Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment
www.lifecyclamen.com.cy
Persons to Contact
Marilena Papastavrou
Environment Officer, National Contact Point for Environment
Telephone: +357 22 408 926
Email: mpapastavrou@environment.moa.gov.cy
Chrystalla Papastavrou
Environment Officer, National Contact Point for Climate
Telephone: +357 22 408 962
Email: cpapastavrou@environment.moa.gov.cy