Volume 37: New Energy, New Ecology and New Environment

The Role of Digital Twins in Energy Transition Kyriaki Galopoulou, Liz Varga

Abstract

Digital Twin technology, a transformative innovation in the Infrastructure industry, has the potential to drive a sustainable energy transition. By creating interactive virtual representations of physical systems, it boosts operational efficiency, enabling efficient integration of renewable power, interoperable grid components, and long-term decarbonisation planning. It also enables predictive maintenance, reducing energy use and operational costs, thereby democratising energy access. Nonetheless, these important benefits do not come without a price; as digitalisation penetrates the energy grid, it becomes vulnerable to cyberattacks and data interception, while the quality and interpretation of input data bring uncertainty. Critically assessing the holistic impact, underlining the importance of supporting the energy transition, this paper proposes also mitigation strategies to maximise this promising tool’s performance. Well-defined cybersecurity regulation, clarity on stakeholder responsibilities, and safe data handling should be prioritised. Furthermore, advanced protection digital tools and a standardised system for intersectoral Digital Twins would unlock additional capabilities.

Keywords Digital Twins, Renewable Energy, Clean Energy, Energy 4.0