Energy: ENEA in the IEA-Italy Advisory Group for energy infrastructures digitalisation

Accelerating digitalisation of energy infrastructures, development of renewable sources and energy efficiency for an environmentally sustainable low-carbon economy.

This is the goal of a project led by the International Energy Agency (IEA) and Italy, coordinated by a high-level advisory group, comprising experts from the Ministries of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Economic Development, the Environment, ENEA, key players in the sector, research institutions, universities and industrial associations.

Digitalisation, advanced technologies, regulatory framework, market and innovative business models and increased investments are key to boost resilience of energy systems and flexibility of energy supply and demand.

On the basis of case studies and best practices from across the world IEA will establish specific guidelines to ensure its replicability even in emerging economic contexts.

"According to the Integrated National Energy and Climate Plan, in Italy in 2030 renewable sources will cover 30% of gross final energy consumption", Giorgio Graditi, Head of the ENEA Energy Technologies and Renewable Sources Department and member of the Advisory Group, pointed out.

"In this context it is crucial to upgrade and “smarten up” infrastructures and networks implementing advanced digital logics to accommodate increasing shares of renewable energy and distributed generation, guaranteeing adequate levels of resilience and flexibility of the system and favoring decarbonisation of the productive sectors of our and other countries, with positive repercussions also on economic growth ”.

The Advisory Group, divided into four sub-groups (technology, policy and regulation, market development and finance), will help strengthen value, impact and scope of the project, supporting and providing technical advice on projects and implementing initiatives for the dissemination and promotion of results.

The inaugural meeting of the Advisory Group, held on 15 December 2020,  focused on the correlation between initiatives on the digital electricity grid and energy demand.

For more information please contact:

Giorgio Graditi, ENEA - Energy Technologies and  Renewable Sources Department giorgio.graditi@enea.it