The Digitalization of the Electricity System : Impact Assessment of Digital Technologies on the Electricity System and its Main Stakeholders

Sammanfattning: This work explores the state of digitalization of the European electricity sector and assesses the impacts of digital technologies on the electricity system and its main stakeholders. Digital technologies, such as smart meters and 5G connectivity, represent a powerful tool for system operators to face the new challenges brought about by the decarbonization of the energy sector. By means of an extensive literature review, the position of the energy community on the topic of digitalization, the regulatory framework around it, as well as the state of deployment of digital technologies in Europe are assessed. With the use of a survey as research tool, the impacts of digital technologies on the main stakeholders of the electricity system (namely, transmission and distribution system operators) are assessed. These are based on seven predefined Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and classified into four main impact categories – technical, economic, environmental, and social. The results of the survey show not only a positive stand of system operators on digital technologies, but also highlight specific benefits and challenges brought about by their integration. By improving electricity networks observability and monitoring, digital technologies are enhancing electricity systems’ stability and reliability and improving operational efficiency, while at the same time favoring customer engagement and the integration of more renewable generation. The increased amount of data shared, however, comes with additional threats related to cyber-security and privacy. An extensive discussion of these and other benefits and challenges experienced by system operators due to digital technologies is provided in this work.