Magnus Energy’s Martin van den Heuvel recently shared his insights with students, staff, and other stakeholders at Delft University of Technology on the concept of the Control Room of the Future. Why do we need to fundamentally change how we manage power grids? And why is it so challenging?
The (r)evolution of Power Grids
The power grid is evolving quickly. In the past, grids were centralised, unidirectional, predictable, and demand-driven, with high inertia. Today, we are moving to decentralised, multidirectional systems that integrate renewable energy sources. This shift leads to balance-driven systems with low inertia. Power electronics are now key, requiring advanced monitoring and real-time control to handle complex operations.
Challenges in Our Grid
Martin outlined several major challenges in this transition:
- Ageing Infrastructure: In many European countries, energy infrastructure is ageing. The challenge is maintaining reliability as these older components continue to be used.
- Increasing Electrification: Electrification is accelerating. This increases electricity demand and puts more pressure on the current infrastructure, leading to grid congestion.
- Construction Challenges: Building new grid components is difficult. Skilled engineers and materials are in high demand, which leads to shortages and higher prices. Also, recent interest rate hikes make these capital-intensive projects harder to complete.
- Long Lead Times: Infrastructure projects take a long time. They require design, public tendering, permitting, stakeholder alignment, logistics, construction, and commissioning. Regulatory factors, like conservation laws or the nitrogen crisis in the Netherlands, can add further delays.
- Unpredictability: The grid faces unpredictability in both demand and supply. Demand fluctuates, for example with the charging of electric vehicles. On the supply side, renewable energy sources are variable.
- Complex Monitoring: Given these factors, monitoring has also become more complex. There is a growing need for high-frequency measurements and more detailed local insights.
Proactivity Required
DSOs are shifting from Grid Operators to System Operators. Traditionally, operators focused on asset and grid management, taking a reactive approach to monitoring and control. Now, operators must also manage capacity and markets. In the future, (near) real-time forecasting, scenario analysis, and balancing supply and demand—even at local levels—will be critical for decision-making and ensuring reliable energy supply.
A European Example: The European Awareness System (EAS)
At the European level, significant progress has already been made. Martin discussed the EAS, a platform for real-time monitoring of transmission systems across Europe. It supports the development of cross-border interconnections and improves operational security. The EAS allows European TSOs to manage the grid safely and increases cross-country collaboration. By centralising real-time data on the European grid, it is used by operators from 41 TSOs across Europe. The EAS has consistently monitored the continental European power system. It embraces innovation and introduces new features constantly. All of this is underpinned by close collaboration between European TSOs.
Martin has been deeply involved in Control Room of the Future projects at regional, national, and European levels. Magnus Energy supports the energy sector in achieving the energy transition while addressing the energy trilemma: sustainability, security, and affordability. Contact us to learn more.
Industry Topics
Control Room of the Future, Market Integration, Renewables, DSO