Submitted by Luigi Montana, CEO of envelio Inc.
Power networks globally are experiencing escalating stress. The rapid proliferation of renewable energy sources, electric vehicles, and decentralized power generation presents significant challenges for grid operators. Handling interconnection requests, maintaining grid stability, and forecasting future energy needs necessitate advanced solutions that go beyond traditional, manual methodologies. Additionally, load growth is anticipated to amplify the variability. To address these challenges, utility companies must adopt digitalization and automation.
Across much of Europe, utilities are leading this transition by implementing smart grid technologies that increase transparency, improve efficiency, and expedite decision-making. One organization at the forefront of this movement is envelio, a tech company specializing in energy, providing comprehensive digital grid management solutions. Its innovations are currently deployed in various parts of Europe, covering a significant portion of the German distribution grid. Last year, envelio Inc. was established to extend these solutions to U.S. utilities. In mid-2024, Eversource became envelio’s inaugural U.S. client.
This article presents instances of how envelio has assisted two energy firms in Europe—Syna GmbH and Helen Electrical Power Network—in navigating the challenges related to their digital transformation, illustrating how U.S. grid operators might similarly gain from these insights.
CASE STUDY 1: Expediting Grid Compatibility Assessment at Syna GmbH
Company Overview
Syna GmbH, a regional distribution system operator located in Frankfurt, Germany, plays a crucial role in the energy distribution industry. As a subsidiary of the E.ON Group, Syna manages an extensive grid network serving approximately 940,000 metered customers across both distribution and sub-transmission. The company is committed to integrating contemporary digital solutions to elevate energy distribution efficiency—ensuring reliable power supply while meeting the changing demands of the energy sector.
Challenge
The swift increase in distributed energy resources (DERs)—such as solar systems, heat pumps, and electric vehicle charging stations—has led to a considerable rise in interconnection requests. Historically, these requests were processed manually, taking up to eight hours each due to a lack of system integration and insufficient calculation capabilities for distribution circuits. This manual procedure resulted in extended waiting periods for customers and escalated the risk of grid overloads owing to limited visibility into grid capacity.
Solution
To tackle these obstacles, Syna adopted envelio’s Intelligent Grid Platform (IGP), a digital solution crafted to enhance grid visibility, automate technical evaluations, and optimize grid operations. Notable features of the Intelligent Grid Platform include:
- Online Connection Test (OCC): An interactive self-service tool aimed at increasing project completion rates and minimizing speculative applications by enabling clients to independently identify optimal possible interconnection points prior to applying.
- Connection Request Tool: A digital tool designed to substantially reduce the duration needed to assess new grid connections by automating the modeling and technical review process—and integrating seamlessly with existing workflow systems.
- Dynamic Network Model: A continuously updated and validated digital representation of Syna’s distribution system facilitating advanced simulations, such as incorporating real-time data for precise capacity evaluations.
Results
- Reduction in processing time: Assessments of connection requests that previously required up to eight hours can now be completed in fifteen minutes.
- Improved data quality: The digital twin permitted real-time data validation, enhancing the precision of grid capacity evaluations.
- Increased automation: The connection request process was largely automated, minimizing manual effort and accelerating approvals.
- Optimized workload for grid planners: Automation empowered planners to concentrate on more intricate tasks, enhancing overall operational efficiency.
CASE STUDY 2: Preparing Helsinki’s Power Grid for 2030 with Helen Electrical Power Network
Company Overview
Helen Electrical Power Network, part of the Helen Group, represents a significant energy provider in Helsinki, Finland. The company caters to approximately 410,000 customers and is dedicated to sustainable development, with the goal of achieving a carbon-neutral Helsinki by 2030. To attain this target, Helen Electrical Power Network is utilizing advanced technologies and increasing the proportion of renewable energy within its portfolio.
Challenge
Helsinki’s ambitious climate objectives, coupled with rapid urbanization, create substantial challenges for the city’s power grid. The growing adoption of heat pumps, electric vehicle charging stations, and solar energy necessitates a proactive approach to grid planning. Helen Electrical Power Network needed to anticipate future grid constraints and formulate investment strategies to secure a dependable electricity supply.
Solution: envelio’s Intelligent Grid Platform and Grid Assessment Tool
Helen Electrical Power Network implemented envelio’s Intelligent
Grid Platform and its Grid Examine utility to carry out scenario-focused planning for forthcoming grid requirements. This solution permits the organization to:
- Evaluate existing network infrastructures.
- Model prospective electrification scenarios (5, 10, and 15 years ahead).
- Identify grid constraints and capacity limitations by performing sophisticated load flow simulations throughout the entire system.
- Make informed investment decisions for infrastructure reinforcement and expansion.
Execution & Approach
Helen implemented a methodical approach to integrate the Intelligent Grid Platform into its system planning and grid modernization initiatives:
- Trial project: Conducted in selected distribution system regions to evaluate feasibility.
- Data preparation: Integrated smart-meter data, geospatial information, and socio-economic trends to construct a comprehensive network model.
- Scenario evaluation: Analyzed three future energy demand scenarios:
- High peak loads with low efficiency;
- High renewable energy production with high efficiency; and
- A balanced mix of both.
- Comprehensive rollout: Developed a digital twin of the entire distribution network for in-depth future evaluations.
- Continuous updates: Established a regular synchronization process to ensure studies are based on the most current data.
Results Achieved
Helen Electric Network has successfully:
- Formulated a computational network model for in-depth future energy scenario evaluations.
- Designed a framework for integrating socio-economic trends into grid assessment studies.
- Identified potential capacity bottlenecks early, facilitating proactive investment planning.
- Established the foundation for strategic grid reinforcement and expansion.
- Improved planning for medium- and low-voltage networks to support increased electrification.
- Incorporated an effective decision-making framework for data-driven investment strategies.
Discussing These Advancements at DISTRIBUTECH
Alongside envelio’s participation at DISTRIBUTECH, CEO Luigi Montana spoke at DistribuTECH on March 26. The session – Lessons Learned from a European Approach to Distribution Grid Interconnections – examined real-world instances (including a case study from Glitre Nett AS), and discussed insights from utilities in Germany, Norway, and the U.S. (Eversource). Sharing the platform were industry experts Jon Dasvand Vehus (Glitre Nett AS) and Shakir Iqbal (Eversource). The trio discussed how digitalization and automation are transforming grid interconnections to become more efficient and scalable. The panel, moderated by Thomas Artau of Duke Energy, addressed how innovative tools like hosting capacity maps and self-service interconnection checks can reduce speculative applications and optimize grid planning.
The adoption of envelio’s Intelligent Grid Platform has empowered Syna GmbH and Helen Electric Network to significantly enhance their grid operations – boosting efficiency, transparency, and automation. These case studies underscore how digital transformation can accelerate response times, lessen workloads for grid planners, and optimize infrastructure investments. As the U.S. energy sector encounters similar challenges, these European instances offer a blueprint for grid modernization. By integrating digital twins, automated interconnection studies, and self-service connection evaluations, utilities can streamline operations and foster a more resilient and sustainable grid.
About the author
Luigi Montana serves as the CEO of envelio Inc., steering the company’s operations and strategy in North America. Envelio is an energy software firm based in Germany that provides advanced interconnection and grid planning solutions to more than 70 utilities globally. Prior to moving to the U.S., Luigi held various roles at envelio and other companies in Europe – working on large-scale IT projects, complex investment planning, financial decision-making, and change management processes. Luigi possesses a Master’s degree from HHL Leipzig Graduate School of Management in Germany and a Bachelor’s degree from Bocconi University in Milan, Italy.
