More dynamics in distribution grids
Distributed energy resources, flexible demand and growing data volumes are fundamentally reshaping grid operations
BMWE funding under the 8th Energy Research Programme
Secure and interoperable digitalisation for power grids
CloudEnerChain explores how secondary systems, IoT components, cloud platforms and grid control systems can work together securely, transparently and across system boundaries.
At the core is an end-to-end chain of trust from secondary systems through substation and grid control technology to the control room. The goal is to make digital applications in power grids robust, interoperable and ready for operational use
Project rationale
Digital applications in power grids require interoperability, cybersecurity and a clear operational benefit for grid operations
36 months
funding period
7 partners
research, software, grid operations
03EI4113A
BMWE funding
OT, IT, Cloud
secure interfaces across the stack
Context
Power grids are becoming more digital, more connected and more demanding.
CloudEnerChain addresses the point where growing data volumes, additional interfaces and rising security requirements converge in power-grid operations.
More interfaces between OT, IoT and cloud
New digital connections create opportunities for transparency and automation, but they also increase complexity
More need for trust and traceability
For digital processes to scale, identity, integrity and security need to be safeguarded along the entire chain
Inside the test environments
Test environments across the system chain
These environments represent key levels in power grids, from secondary systems and substation control technology to control rooms and digitally supported operations.
From secondary systems to the control room
The project focuses on making data flows and digital functions secure, reliable and interoperable across these layers
Connecting the field level
Test hall
The test hall represents the physical infrastructure of the power grid. It is where the interaction between digital components and existing assets begins
A central question is how operational data can be captured reliably and prepared for further use
Information where it is needed
Control room
In the control room, system states, warnings and recommendations need to arrive reliably. This is where digital information has to prove its value in day-to-day operations
That requires trustworthy data and digital applications that support grid operations in a meaningful way
Trying out digital functions safely
Hardware-in-the-Loop
Before new digital functions are used in operational contexts, they need to be evaluated in a protected setting. These environments help assess interaction, timing and system behaviour at an early stage
This makes it possible to examine interoperability, security and reliability before later deployment
Visibility at substation level
Digital secondary substations
Digital secondary substations stand for the point where information from the distribution grid is consolidated and transferred into higher-level systems
They stand for the transition from substation data to a shared interoperability layer and operational applications
Image motifs from the testing infrastructures of the Fraunhofer Center for Digital Energy. Source: Fraunhofer Center for Digital Energy, predominantly © Martin Braun. Source: Fraunhofer page
State of the art and novel approach
Connected power grids need interoperability and a resilient chain of trust
Secondary systems, substation and grid control technology, interoperability layers and control-room systems are becoming more tightly connected. This increases the need for secure communication, traceable system states and aligned information models across boundaries.
State of the art
Today’s power grids connect secondary systems, substation and grid control technology, control rooms and increasingly cloud platforms. Communication paths, information models and security mechanisms are often still heterogeneous and only partly aligned
Central gap
Point solutions such as gateways, firewalls or VPN links can secure individual segments, but they do not yet create a consistent level of trust from the endpoint through the network to the operational application
Novelty of the approach
CloudEnerChain combines a cloud-capable interoperability layer with hardware-backed trust anchors, continuous verification, monitoring and attack detection. This brings interoperability and cybersecurity together in one architecture
What the project is about
Four perspectives shape the technical profile of the project.
The research combines interoperability, security, digital infrastructures and applications for grid operations into one coherent picture.
Interoperability instead of siloed solutions
A shared approach to data and interfaces is meant to connect diverse systems more effectively and strengthen interoperability
Cybersecurity along the full chain
Security is not treated as a point solution, but as a principle spanning secondary systems, communication paths and control-centre integration
Cloud and edge aligned with operational requirements
Digital applications should be placed where they create value while respecting latency, safety and operational requirements
Operational value for grid operations
Monitoring, anomaly detection and new digital applications are intended to support day-to-day utility operations in practical ways
From challenge to solution
CloudEnerChain combines system understanding, security and validation.
Understand
The starting point is real-world requirements from power grids, existing system landscapes and the growing role of digital connectivity
Connect
Building on this, data flows, system boundaries and digital interfaces are framed so that cross-vendor cooperation becomes more feasible
Secure
Cybersecurity is embedded as a guiding principle in architecture, communication, monitoring and digital applications
Validate
The resulting approaches are assessed in practice-oriented environments to evaluate their suitability for future use in grid operations
Expected contribution
Digital connectivity needs to create visible value for grid operations.
More interoperability
A shared perspective on data models and interfaces can reduce integration effort and improve exchange between systems
More resilience
End-to-end protection and improved observability strengthen the handling of disruptions and cyber threats
Better fit for utility operations
CloudEnerChain aligns digital approaches with existing operational processes, systems and responsibilities
Project consortium
Research, industry and grid operations contribute to a shared perspective on secure digitalisation in power grids.
Partners at a glance
A consortium spanning digital energy, platform development, grid operations and cybersecurity
The consortium brings together perspectives from research, industry and grid operations
Research
Academic partners contribute expertise in IT security, simulation, data processing and digitally enabled power-grid operations
Industry
Technology and software partners connect the project to platforms, interfaces, grid control systems and market-relevant solutions
Grid operations
Grid-operator partners provide real operational requirements, operational knowledge and the perspective of transferability
News
Developments, events and milestones from the project.
CloudEnerChain launches with its kick-off in Aachen
During the kick-off on March 10 and 11, 2026, in Aachen, the consortium aligned on shared goals, practical relevance and the next steps toward secure, interoperable digitalisation in power grids.