Research Projects
Strategic Research Projects
BIRDIE-S – Build the Innovative Renewable and Digitally Inclusive “Electrified Sardinia”
Funded by Enel Foundation
BIRDIE-S explored pathways towards a highly electrified and renewable-based energy system for Sardinia, considering the island’s specific geographical, economic and social characteristics. The project developed long-term energy scenarios addressing the evolution of electricity demand, renewable generation and the electrification of major energy uses, together with their energy, environmental, economic and social impacts.
Power Systems Laboratory contribution:
The Laboratory contributed to the definition and analysis of the Sardinian energy scenarios, the assessment of future electricity demand and renewable generation, and the evaluation of pathways aimed at increasing the island’s energy self-sufficiency through electrification and renewable energy sources.BIRDIE-S Flex
Funded by Enel Foundation
BIRDIE-S Flex extends the BIRDIE-S analysis by focusing on the evolution of Sardinia’s distribution networks under energy-transition scenarios. The project investigates the impact of increasing electrification and distributed renewable generation on medium- and low-voltage networks, with particular attention to hosting capacity and the flexibility required to support their secure and efficient development.
Power Systems Laboratory contribution:
The Laboratory develops models and methodologies for assessing hosting capacity and flexibility in MV and LV distribution networks, combining energy-transition scenarios with spatial downscaling and network-based analyses. The activity aims to identify where and when network constraints may emerge and how flexibility can contribute to the long-term development of the distribution system.
PNRR Projects
NEST – Network 4 Energy Sustainable Transition
Funded by the European Union – NextGenerationEU under the Italian National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR)
NEST is a national research programme aimed at supporting the development of innovative technologies, methodologies and solutions for a sustainable, resilient and deeply decarbonised energy system. The project addresses the entire energy value chain, combining renewable generation, networks, storage, flexibility, sector coupling and digitalisation.
Power Systems Laboratory contribution:
Within Spoke 8, the Laboratory develops methodologies for the planning and operation of future distribution systems, with particular attention to flexibility, distributed energy resources and electrified end uses. Activities also address the modelling and assessment of flexible energy nodes, including buildings integrating photovoltaic generation, heat pumps and electrical or thermal storage.E.INS – Ecosystem of Innovation for Next Generation Sardinia
Funded by the European Union – NextGenerationEU under the Italian National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR)
E.INS is the Innovation Ecosystem of Sardinia, established to foster research, innovation and technology transfer in strategic sectors for the regional economy. Energy-transition activities address the transformation of the Sardinian energy system and the integration of innovative technologies and solutions.
Power Systems Laboratory contribution:
The Laboratory focuses on the evolution of power distribution networks under future energy scenarios, developing methodologies for assessing flexibility and network constraints at different voltage levels. Activities include large-scale distribution-system analysis, scenario downscaling and the use of representative and synthetic networks to evaluate the role of flexibility in enabling the energy transition.
European Research Projects
OSMOSE – Optimal System Mix Of flexibility Solutions for European electricity
European Union – Horizon 2020
OSMOSE investigated how different sources of flexibility can support the evolution of the European electricity system under increasing penetration of renewable generation. The project analysed technological and operational solutions capable of providing flexibility across different areas and levels of the power system.
Power Systems Laboratory contribution:
The Laboratory contributed expertise in power-system and distribution-network planning, flexibility assessment and the analysis of innovative solutions for the integration of distributed resources. The activities supported the evaluation of the role and value of flexibility in future electricity systems.BERLIN – Cost-effective rehabilitation of public buildings into smart and resilient nano-grids using storage
ENI CBC Mediterranean Sea Basin Programme
BERLIN investigated innovative approaches for transforming public buildings into smart and resilient energy systems by combining photovoltaic generation, energy storage and advanced energy-management solutions. The project demonstrated how building-scale nano-grids can improve energy efficiency, increase renewable self-consumption and provide additional flexibility.
Power Systems Laboratory contribution:
The Laboratory contributed to the design, modelling and assessment of nano-grid solutions integrating renewable generation, storage and controllable loads, with particular attention to their interaction with the electricity distribution network and to the development of effective energy-management strategies.STORES – Promotion of higher penetration of Distributed PV through storage for all
Interreg MED Programme
STORES investigated the integration of distributed photovoltaic generation and energy storage as a means of increasing renewable-energy penetration in Mediterranean islands and rural areas. The project combined technical analysis, demonstration activities and the development of solutions for the effective use of storage together with distributed PV.
Power Systems Laboratory contribution:
The Laboratory contributed to the technical development and assessment of PV-storage solutions and to their application in Mediterranean distribution systems. Activities included the analysis of energy-management strategies and the implementation and assessment of demonstration solutions, including the Sardinian pilot experience.
Other Selected Projects
ATLANTIDE – Archivio Telematico per il riferimento Nazionale di reti di Distribuzione Elettrica
ATLANTIDE developed a national reference framework for the representation and analysis of electricity distribution networks, supporting the study of their evolution under changing generation and consumption patterns.
Power Systems Laboratory contribution:
The Laboratory contributed to the definition and analysis of representative distribution-network models and to the simulation of future scenarios characterised by increasing distributed generation and new electrical loads. The project supported the development of modelling approaches subsequently used in planning studies for active distribution systems.POSEIDON – Smart Microgrids in Port Areas
POR FESR Sardegna 2014–2020
POSEIDON investigated smart microgrid solutions for port areas, focusing on the efficient management of energy through the integration of renewable energy sources, storage and sustainable electric mobility.
Power Systems Laboratory contribution:
The Laboratory contributed to the modelling and analysis of port microgrids and to the development of energy-management strategies for coordinating local generation, demand and electric mobility while considering the interaction with the distribution network.e-visiØn – Electric-Vehicle Integration for Smart Innovative 0-CO2 Networks
Funded by the Autonomous Region of Sardinia
e-visiØn investigated the integration of electric vehicles into smart distribution networks and their interaction with renewable energy sources, with the objective of supporting low-carbon mobility and the transition towards more sustainable local energy systems.
Power Systems Laboratory contribution:
The Laboratory contributed to the analysis of the impact of electric mobility on distribution networks and to the development of methodologies and operating strategies for integrating electric vehicles, renewable generation and smart-grid technologies.