Meet E-REDES

We had a chat with E-REDES – the main operator in mainland Portugal for high, medium and low voltage electricity distribution network – to learn more about its collaboration with INESC TEC.

What is the connection between E-REDES and INESC TEC?

E-REDES and INESC TEC have had a significant relation for several years. In some specific themes, there’s a strong sense of continuity, focusing on concrete projects where INESC TEC can add value; in this case, we highlight a set of projects and studies that we have been developing to promote the nexus between the knowledge capital of E-REDES and the scientific and innovative research of INESC TEC, both in areas of fundamental and applied sciences. This connection aims to create a constructive ecosystem, capable of developing tools that address specific and current challenges, while fostering an environment of co-creation of innovation and productive development.

Over the years, the connection between INESC TEC and E-REDES has improved, with the development of power and energy systems projects – mainly through the development of partnership endeavours and the contracting of services, particularly in terms of electrical systems and asset management; development of asset modelling and planning models; development of applications for network planning.

At the European level, we collaborate on two projects that ended recently, one led by E-REDES (EUniversal), the other by INESC TEC (Interconnect). To these, we can add several other projects in the past.

What are the main results of this collaboration?

Several works/studies were carried out with major value for the electricity distribution sector; it’s also worth mentioning the joint participation in some consortia, namely within the scope of European projects.

For a company with the dimension and characteristics of E-REDES, the involvement of the scientific community is important, not only for its specific knowledge, but also to present our challenges – in particular, in this accelerated phase of the energy transition and the Globalisation of Smart Grids

In recent years, E-REDES has launched a set of challenges to INESC TEC; generally speaking, they led to advantageous results, since they have allowed the identification of a set of joint research opportunities. Reports, joint tool specifications, and other resources, were produced on topics like flexibility, network planning and management, interaction with customers.  The use of applications and models has had, and still has, a positive impact on improving network design and management. It is also worth emphasising the greater ease of access to information and developments carried out in other research and development units (INESC TEC has access to other R&D units) that allows developments more adjusted to future needs.

How do you rate your experience with INESC TEC?

The experience has been quite positive, combining the distribution business activity with the knowledge developed and accrued by the academy. INESC TEC has been able to bring an academic vision and best practices of the other partners to all projects. Moreover, as an entity with international prestige, it has been an active agent in clarifying some prejudices, particularly the impact on the Distributed Generation Power Grid.

The recognised scientific knowledge, namely related to the electricity sector, has demonstrated an efficiency and effectiveness disposition in addressing the challenges posed by E-REDES.

What do you value the most in this collaboration?

INESC TEC’s scientific knowledge in the field of energy, which is very relevant, as well as its vision of the challenges of the electricity system; and, of course, the distribution of electricity in the context of the energy transition. In addition to the work carried out, technical competence, capacity to carry out different endeavours, and knowledge about the themes of electricity distribution, there is also the research and development aspect and the possibility of bringing academia closer to the needs of a DSO. We also highlight the possibility of involving students in concrete work with practical application, which brings students closer to the company and the sector’s activity.

At the same time, the possibility for E-REDES employees to monitor and participate very actively/closely with INESC TEC in the developments carried out for E-REDES is a very effective way to integrate knowledge and create a network of contacts.

What can we expect from E-REDES over the upcoming years?

A multiplied commitment to building the distribution networks of the future, and the search for the right partnerships to ensure this process, where INESC TEC will certainly continue to have a role to play.

The enriching phase that the electricity sector is going through (decarbonisation of the economy; energy communities; electric mobility; storage) will bring new challenges and new knowledge needs that must be leveraged by the role and knowledge of the Scientific Community.

The continuation of the stimulus to develop the co-creation of innovation and productive development, as well as the creation of a constructive thinking ecosystem for the so-called New WoW. We must continue to challenge INESC TEC with new development projects, ensuring the consolidation of the relationship with INESC TEC – if the relationship is positive for both entities.