The KIOS Research and Innovation Center of Excellence at the University of Cyprus is playing a pivotal role in "TwinEU," a flagship EU-funded research project under the Horizon Europe program. This project is dedicated to digitizing the European energy system, aligning with the broader aim of transforming Europe’s power infrastructure.

As outlined in a press release from the University of Cyprus, TwinEU's objective is to conceptualize a Pan-European power system Digital Twin (DT). This will be achieved by integrating national power grid Digital Twins. The overarching goal is to ensure the power infrastructure's reliable, resilient, and safe operation. Additionally, it aims to foster new business models to expedite the integration of renewable energy sources across Europe.

The project responds to Europe's pressing need for energy transition, exacerbated by its reliance on imported fossil fuels and the impacts of the climate crisis. A European Action Plan has been initiated to digitalize the energy system, focusing on enhancing the integration of renewable energy, as well as improving the infrastructure's resilience, cybersecurity, and cost-efficiency. This ambitious plan necessitates the virtualization of the energy infrastructure through digital twin technology, a task requiring a concerted, Europe-wide effort.

To this end, TwinEU assembles a unique consortium of 75 partners, including grid and market operators, technology providers, industry players, and research centers from 15 European countries. They are collaborating to devise a pan-European solution that empowers grid and market operators to develop and utilize digital twins via a federated Digital Twin workbench. TwinEU is set to deliver a suite of tools, tested across eight pilot projects in 11 EU countries, including Cyprus. These pilots aim to ensure the replicability and adaptability of the developed solutions across diverse geographic and market contexts.

The Eastern Mediterranean region pilot, where the KIOS CoE plays a critical role, focuses on integrating digital twins of power systems across mainland Greece, Crete, and Cyprus. KIOS is charged with developing the digital twin for the power system interconnection between Cyprus and Crete. They are also tasked with devising real-time monitoring and control methodologies for this interconnected system. Furthermore, KIOS leads the assessment of the power grid's resilience against cyber-physical threats within this pilot.

The outcomes of this project are anticipated to significantly enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the grid operation. A crucial aspect of this initiative is the promotion of higher renewable energy integration, which supports greater resilience and energy independence for the European energy infrastructure. This effort is not only critical for decarbonizing the energy system but also holds promise for improving energy cost scenarios through enhanced energy independence.

The KIOS CoE research team from the University of Cyprus includes Professor Christos Panayiotou and Research Lecturers Markos Asprou and Lenos Hadjidemetriou, whose contributions are integral to the success of this groundbreaking project.