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topics:digitalisation [2026/03/23 15:08] – Status: in-review admintopics:digitalisation [2026/04/24 09:24] (current) – vso_vso
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 <WRAP catbadge>General topics <WRAP catbadge>General topics
-status: in-review 
 </WRAP> </WRAP>
  
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 lead-authors: Vitaliy Soloviy lead-authors: Vitaliy Soloviy
 contributors: Klaus Kubeczko contributors: Klaus Kubeczko
-reviewers: [Names] +reviewers: Steven Wong 
-version: 2.0 +version: 2.1 
-updated: 16 March 2026+updated: 25 March 2026
 sensitivity: medium sensitivity: medium
-ai-use: Claude Sonnet 4.6 (Anthropic) assisted with editorial revision, reference verification, and formatting; reviewed by Vitaliy Soloviy, 17.03.2026+status: in-review 
 +ai-use: Claude Sonnet 4.6 (Anthropic) was used for editorial revision, reference verification, and formatting; reviewed by Vitaliy Soloviy, 17.03.2026
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 Digitalisation entails comprehensive integration of digital technologies into the generation, transmission, distribution, and consumption of electricity, as well as into the coordination among actors and the governance of the system. It encompasses sensing and monitoring, communication networks, data analytics, automation, and the platforms through which market participants interact. Digitalisation entails comprehensive integration of digital technologies into the generation, transmission, distribution, and consumption of electricity, as well as into the coordination among actors and the governance of the system. It encompasses sensing and monitoring, communication networks, data analytics, automation, and the platforms through which market participants interact.
 </WRAP> </WRAP>
 +
  
 ===== Why this matters ===== ===== Why this matters =====
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 Digitalisation does not simply add a digital layer to an existing electricity system. It changes what the system can do, who can participate in it, and what governance arrangements are needed to steer it toward broadly shared outcomes. Digitalisation does not simply add a digital layer to an existing electricity system. It changes what the system can do, who can participate in it, and what governance arrangements are needed to steer it toward broadly shared outcomes.
 </WRAP> </WRAP>
- 
  
 At the same time, digitalisation introduces cybersecurity risks, raises governance questions around data ownership and privacy, and reshapes the skills that actors across the system need. The speed at which digital tools evolve can outpace the institutional frameworks meant to govern them, creating gaps between what is technically possible and what is regulated, standardised, or equitably accessible.((International Energy Agency. (n.d.). //Digitalisation//. IEA. https://www.iea.org/energy-system/decarbonisation-enablers/digitalisation)) At the same time, digitalisation introduces cybersecurity risks, raises governance questions around data ownership and privacy, and reshapes the skills that actors across the system need. The speed at which digital tools evolve can outpace the institutional frameworks meant to govern them, creating gaps between what is technically possible and what is regulated, standardised, or equitably accessible.((International Energy Agency. (n.d.). //Digitalisation//. IEA. https://www.iea.org/energy-system/decarbonisation-enablers/digitalisation))
  
-===== A shared definition =====+===== Shared definitions =====
  
 Digitalisation in the context of smart grid transitions describes the integration of digital technologies, data infrastructure, and analytical tools into the electricity system, its markets, and its governance. It encompasses both the deployment of specific technologies and the broader organisational, institutional, and behavioural changes that accompany digital integration. Within ISGAN's scope, digitalisation covers four main strands: coupling ICT integration with energy system electrification, enhancing grid management and decision-making through analytics, improving communication and coordination among actors, and advancing integration of renewable energy solutions.((International Energy Agency. (n.d.). //Digitalisation//. IEA. https://www.iea.org/energy-system/decarbonisation-enablers/digitalisation)) Digitalisation in the context of smart grid transitions describes the integration of digital technologies, data infrastructure, and analytical tools into the electricity system, its markets, and its governance. It encompasses both the deployment of specific technologies and the broader organisational, institutional, and behavioural changes that accompany digital integration. Within ISGAN's scope, digitalisation covers four main strands: coupling ICT integration with energy system electrification, enhancing grid management and decision-making through analytics, improving communication and coordination among actors, and advancing integration of renewable energy solutions.((International Energy Agency. (n.d.). //Digitalisation//. IEA. https://www.iea.org/energy-system/decarbonisation-enablers/digitalisation))
 +
 +<WRAP tablecap>
 +**Table 1.** Digital capabilities in smart grid systems, with key aspects and example technologies.\\
 +//Source: ISGAN (2021).((ISGAN. (2021). //Interoperability of digital systems in the energy sector// [Discussion paper]. ISGAN Annex 6. https://www.iea-isgan.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/2021-03-31-ISGAN-Annex-6-Interoperability.pdf))//
 +</WRAP>
  
 ^ Digital capability ^ Key aspects ^ Examples of technologies ^ ^ Digital capability ^ Key aspects ^ Examples of technologies ^
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 These strands are interdependent: analytics depends on sensing and communication, automation requires analytics and communication, and integrated platforms draw on all of the above. A systems-of-systems approach recognises that digitalisation creates connections between previously separate technical and organisational domains, enabling new levels of interoperability across and among organisations.((ISGAN. (2021). //Interoperability of digital systems in the energy sector// [Discussion paper]. ISGAN Annex 6. https://www.iea-isgan.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/2021-03-31-ISGAN-Annex-6-Interoperability.pdf)) These strands are interdependent: analytics depends on sensing and communication, automation requires analytics and communication, and integrated platforms draw on all of the above. A systems-of-systems approach recognises that digitalisation creates connections between previously separate technical and organisational domains, enabling new levels of interoperability across and among organisations.((ISGAN. (2021). //Interoperability of digital systems in the energy sector// [Discussion paper]. ISGAN Annex 6. https://www.iea-isgan.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/2021-03-31-ISGAN-Annex-6-Interoperability.pdf))
 +
 +<WRAP tablecap>
 +**Table 2.** Key terms in digitalisation of electricity systems.
 +</WRAP>
 +
 +^ Term ^ Definition ^
 +| **Digitalisation** | The integration of digital technologies, data infrastructure, and analytical tools into the electricity system, its markets, and its governance, encompassing both technical deployment and the organisational and behavioural changes that accompany it.((International Energy Agency. (n.d.). //Digitalisation//. IEA. https://www.iea.org/energy-system/decarbonisation-enablers/digitalisation)) |
 +| **Advanced metering infrastructure** | The system of smart meters, communication networks, and data management platforms that enables two-way communication between utilities and end users, providing granular consumption and grid-state data for time-varying tariffs, demand response, and consumption analytics.((ISGAN. (2021). //Interoperability of digital systems in the energy sector// [Discussion paper]. ISGAN Annex 6. https://www.iea-isgan.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/2021-03-31-ISGAN-Annex-6-Interoperability.pdf)) |
 +| **Interoperability** | The ability of different digital systems, devices, and platforms to exchange and use data effectively, enabled by shared standards and protocols.((National Institute of Standards and Technology. (2021). //NIST framework and roadmap for smart grid interoperability standards, release 4.0//. NIST. https://doi.org/10.6028/NIST.SP.1108r4)) |
 +| **Digital twin** | A virtual representation of a physical grid asset or system that supports simulation, monitoring, and predictive analysis using real-time data.((ISGAN. (2021). //Interoperability of digital systems in the energy sector// [Discussion paper]. ISGAN Annex 6. https://www.iea-isgan.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/2021-03-31-ISGAN-Annex-6-Interoperability.pdf)) |
 +| **Cybersecurity** | The set of technologies, processes, and practices designed to protect digital systems, networks, and data from unauthorised access, damage, or disruption, a growing concern as electricity infrastructure becomes more digitally connected.((Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, Japan. (2025). Guide to supply chain security measures for power control systems. //METI//. https://www.meti.go.jp/english/press/2025/0603_007.html)) |
  
 ===== Perspectives ===== ===== Perspectives =====
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 <WRAP case> <WRAP case>
-**Kenya — M-KOPA pay-as-you-go platform**  +**Kenya -- M-KOPA pay-as-you-go platform** \\
 Digital payment systems and embedded connectivity in solar home systems create a direct digital relationship between off-grid energy service providers and low-income households, tying energy access to digital infrastructure.((M-KOPA. (2023). //Impact report 2023//. M-KOPA. https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/66dc00a653080e6802168f64/66f469b0c9b21f8cbf231296_impact-report-2023_compressed2.pdf)) Digital payment systems and embedded connectivity in solar home systems create a direct digital relationship between off-grid energy service providers and low-income households, tying energy access to digital infrastructure.((M-KOPA. (2023). //Impact report 2023//. M-KOPA. https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/66dc00a653080e6802168f64/66f469b0c9b21f8cbf231296_impact-report-2023_compressed2.pdf))
 </WRAP> </WRAP>
- 
  
 <WRAP case> <WRAP case>
-**Germany — SINTEG digital coordination programme**  +**Germany -- SINTEG digital coordination programme** \\
 Five showcase regions tested how digital platforms could coordinate distributed generation, storage, and flexible demand across actors who had previously operated independently, demonstrating new digitally enabled coordination patterns at regional scale.((Schütz, J., Uslar, M., & Clausen, M. (2022). //Digitalisierung: Synthesebericht 3 des SINTEG-Förderprogramms//. BMWK. https://www.bmwk.de/Redaktion/DE/Publikationen/Sinteg/synthesebericht-3-digitalisierung.pdf)) Five showcase regions tested how digital platforms could coordinate distributed generation, storage, and flexible demand across actors who had previously operated independently, demonstrating new digitally enabled coordination patterns at regional scale.((Schütz, J., Uslar, M., & Clausen, M. (2022). //Digitalisierung: Synthesebericht 3 des SINTEG-Förderprogramms//. BMWK. https://www.bmwk.de/Redaktion/DE/Publikationen/Sinteg/synthesebericht-3-digitalisierung.pdf))
 </WRAP> </WRAP>
- 
  
 <WRAP case> <WRAP case>
-**India — AMISP smart meter programme**  +**India -- AMISP smart meter programme** \\
 The Advanced Metering Infrastructure Service Provider model under the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme creates a new digitally focused actor category, with private companies responsible for deploying, operating, and maintaining metering infrastructure on behalf of distribution utilities.((National Smart Grid Mission. (2022). //Model standard bidding document for selection of AMISP for smart prepaid metering//. Ministry of Power, Government of India. https://www.nsgm.gov.in/en/amisp-sbd)) The Advanced Metering Infrastructure Service Provider model under the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme creates a new digitally focused actor category, with private companies responsible for deploying, operating, and maintaining metering infrastructure on behalf of distribution utilities.((National Smart Grid Mission. (2022). //Model standard bidding document for selection of AMISP for smart prepaid metering//. Ministry of Power, Government of India. https://www.nsgm.gov.in/en/amisp-sbd))
 </WRAP> </WRAP>
- 
  
 ==== Technologies and infrastructure ==== ==== Technologies and infrastructure ====
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 <WRAP case> <WRAP case>
-**Singapore — grid digital twin and DERMS development**  +**Singapore -- grid digital twin and DERMS development** \\
 The Energy Market Authority and SP Group are developing a grid digital twin and a distributed energy resource management system to strengthen grid reliability, support EV integration, and optimise asset management across the network.((Energy Market Authority. (2023). //Leveraging digital solutions to future-proof Singapore's energy grid// [Media factsheet]. EMA Singapore. https://www.ema.gov.sg/content/dam/corporate/news/media-releases/2023/20231024-EMA-Media-Factsheet-Leveraging-Digital-Solutions-to-Future-Proof-Singapore-Energy-Grid.pdf.coredownload.pdf)) The Energy Market Authority and SP Group are developing a grid digital twin and a distributed energy resource management system to strengthen grid reliability, support EV integration, and optimise asset management across the network.((Energy Market Authority. (2023). //Leveraging digital solutions to future-proof Singapore's energy grid// [Media factsheet]. EMA Singapore. https://www.ema.gov.sg/content/dam/corporate/news/media-releases/2023/20231024-EMA-Media-Factsheet-Leveraging-Digital-Solutions-to-Future-Proof-Singapore-Energy-Grid.pdf.coredownload.pdf))
 </WRAP> </WRAP>
- 
  
 <WRAP case> <WRAP case>
-**South Korea — KEPCO AI-based substation management**  +**South Korea -- KEPCO AI-based substation management** \\
 Korea Electric Power Corporation has deployed private 5G networks, IoT sensors, and AI-based diagnostics at substations to enable real-time facility monitoring and predictive maintenance across its transmission and distribution infrastructure.((KEPCO & Netmanias. (2023). KEPCO's private 5G network and applications: IoT-based predictive maintenance, robot-based maintenance inspection, and safety management. //Netmanias//. https://www.netmanias.com/en/post/blog/15953/5g-ai-iot-private-5g/kepco-s-private-5g-network-and-applications-iot-based-predictive-maintenance-robot-based-maintenance-inspection-and-safety-management)) Korea Electric Power Corporation has deployed private 5G networks, IoT sensors, and AI-based diagnostics at substations to enable real-time facility monitoring and predictive maintenance across its transmission and distribution infrastructure.((KEPCO & Netmanias. (2023). KEPCO's private 5G network and applications: IoT-based predictive maintenance, robot-based maintenance inspection, and safety management. //Netmanias//. https://www.netmanias.com/en/post/blog/15953/5g-ai-iot-private-5g/kepco-s-private-5g-network-and-applications-iot-based-predictive-maintenance-robot-based-maintenance-inspection-and-safety-management))
 </WRAP> </WRAP>
- 
  
 <WRAP case> <WRAP case>
-**Brazil — smart meter rollout in distribution concessions**  +**Brazil -- smart meter rollout in distribution concessions** \\
 Distribution concession holders are deploying smart meters at scale under regulatory requirements, with pilot programmes testing several hundred thousand units in São Paulo, while communication infrastructure coverage across geographically diverse concession areas remains a practical constraint.((Enel Group. (2021). Enel begins installation of smart meters in São Paulo. //Enel Group press release//. https://www.enel.com/media/explore/search-press-releases/press/2021/01/enel-begins-installation-of-smart-meters-in-so-saulo)) Distribution concession holders are deploying smart meters at scale under regulatory requirements, with pilot programmes testing several hundred thousand units in São Paulo, while communication infrastructure coverage across geographically diverse concession areas remains a practical constraint.((Enel Group. (2021). Enel begins installation of smart meters in São Paulo. //Enel Group press release//. https://www.enel.com/media/explore/search-press-releases/press/2021/01/enel-begins-installation-of-smart-meters-in-so-saulo))
 </WRAP> </WRAP>
- 
  
 ==== Institutional structures ==== ==== Institutional structures ====
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 <WRAP case> <WRAP case>
-**European Union — data governance under the Electricity Market Directive**  +**European Union -- data governance under the Electricity Market Directive** \\
 Directive 2019/944 establishes principles for consumer access to energy data and third-party data sharing, creating an institutional framework for data-driven innovation in electricity services.((European Parliament and Council of the European Union. (2019). Directive 2019/944 on common rules for the internal market for electricity. //Official Journal of the European Union//, L 158, 125–199. https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/dir/2019/944/oj)) Directive 2019/944 establishes principles for consumer access to energy data and third-party data sharing, creating an institutional framework for data-driven innovation in electricity services.((European Parliament and Council of the European Union. (2019). Directive 2019/944 on common rules for the internal market for electricity. //Official Journal of the European Union//, L 158, 125–199. https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/dir/2019/944/oj))
 </WRAP> </WRAP>
- 
  
 <WRAP case> <WRAP case>
-**United States — NIST smart grid interoperability framework**  +**United States -- NIST smart grid interoperability framework** \\
 The framework provides a reference architecture and standards roadmap for digital interoperability across the electricity system, addressing the governance challenge of coordinating digital standards across a fragmented regulatory landscape.((National Institute of Standards and Technology. (2021). //NIST framework and roadmap for smart grid interoperability standards, release 4.0//. NIST. https://doi.org/10.6028/NIST.SP.1108r4)) The framework provides a reference architecture and standards roadmap for digital interoperability across the electricity system, addressing the governance challenge of coordinating digital standards across a fragmented regulatory landscape.((National Institute of Standards and Technology. (2021). //NIST framework and roadmap for smart grid interoperability standards, release 4.0//. NIST. https://doi.org/10.6028/NIST.SP.1108r4))
 </WRAP> </WRAP>
- 
  
 <WRAP case> <WRAP case>
-**Japan — cybersecurity governance for electricity infrastructure**  +**Japan -- cybersecurity governance for electricity infrastructure** \\
 METI coordinates cybersecurity policy for the electricity sector through its Industrial Cybersecurity Study Group, which has published supply chain security measures for power control systems and works within the broader framework of the Cybersecurity Basic Act.((Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, Japan. (2025). Guide to supply chain security measures for power control systems. //METI//. https://www.meti.go.jp/english/press/2025/0603_007.html)) METI coordinates cybersecurity policy for the electricity sector through its Industrial Cybersecurity Study Group, which has published supply chain security measures for power control systems and works within the broader framework of the Cybersecurity Basic Act.((Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, Japan. (2025). Guide to supply chain security measures for power control systems. //METI//. https://www.meti.go.jp/english/press/2025/0603_007.html))
 </WRAP> </WRAP>
- 
  
 </WRAP> </WRAP>
- 
-===== Key terms ===== 
- 
-^ Term ^ Definition ^ 
-| **Digitalisation** | The integration of digital technologies, data infrastructure, and analytical tools into the electricity system, its markets, and its governance, encompassing both technical deployment and the organisational and behavioural changes that accompany it.((International Energy Agency. (n.d.). //Digitalisation//. IEA. https://www.iea.org/energy-system/decarbonisation-enablers/digitalisation)) | 
-| **Advanced metering infrastructure** | The system of smart meters, communication networks, and data management platforms that enables two-way communication between utilities and end users, providing granular consumption and grid-state data for time-varying tariffs, demand response, and consumption analytics.((ISGAN. (2021). //Interoperability of digital systems in the energy sector// [Discussion paper]. ISGAN Annex 6. https://www.iea-isgan.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/2021-03-31-ISGAN-Annex-6-Interoperability.pdf)) | 
-| **Interoperability** | The ability of different digital systems, devices, and platforms to exchange and use data effectively, enabled by shared standards and protocols.((National Institute of Standards and Technology. (2021). //NIST framework and roadmap for smart grid interoperability standards, release 4.0//. NIST. https://doi.org/10.6028/NIST.SP.1108r4)) | 
-| **Digital twin** | A virtual representation of a physical grid asset or system that supports simulation, monitoring, and predictive analysis using real-time data.((ISGAN. (2021). //Interoperability of digital systems in the energy sector// [Discussion paper]. ISGAN Annex 6. https://www.iea-isgan.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/2021-03-31-ISGAN-Annex-6-Interoperability.pdf)) | 
-| **Cybersecurity** | The set of technologies, processes, and practices designed to protect digital systems, networks, and data from unauthorised access, damage, or disruption, a growing concern as electricity infrastructure becomes more digitally connected.((Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, Japan. (2025). Guide to supply chain security measures for power control systems. //METI//. https://www.meti.go.jp/english/press/2025/0603_007.html)) | 
- 
  
 ===== Distinctions and overlaps ===== ===== Distinctions and overlaps =====
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 Digitalisation enables smart grid functions such as demand response, distributed resource coordination, and real-time monitoring. It can also drive changes that were not originally intended, such as concentrating market power among platform operators, altering privacy expectations, or creating dependencies on digital infrastructure.((International Energy Agency. (n.d.). //Digitalisation//. IEA. https://www.iea.org/energy-system/decarbonisation-enablers/digitalisation)) Digitalisation enables smart grid functions such as demand response, distributed resource coordination, and real-time monitoring. It can also drive changes that were not originally intended, such as concentrating market power among platform operators, altering privacy expectations, or creating dependencies on digital infrastructure.((International Energy Agency. (n.d.). //Digitalisation//. IEA. https://www.iea.org/energy-system/decarbonisation-enablers/digitalisation))
 </WRAP> </WRAP>
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 ===== Related topics ===== ===== Related topics =====
  
-{{tag>Resilience Flexibility Institutions Markets Service}} +[[topics:resilience|Resilience]] | [[topics:flexibility|Flexibility]] | [[topics:institutions|Institutions]] | [[topics:markets|Markets]] | [[topics:service|Service]]
- +
- +
-===== References =====+
  
 +~~DISCUSSION~~