Autors: Hinov, N. L.
Title: A Maturity-Based Framework for Assessing the Level of Digitalization in Smart Grids
Keywords: benchmarking, cybersecurity, digitalization, grid automation, Smart grid

Abstract: Smart grids rely not only on physical infrastructure but also on advanced digital technologies enabling real-time management, decentralized generation, and efficient energy management. Despite growing investments in these technologies, assessing the level of digitalization across smart grids remains a challenge. This paper proposes a framework for assessing digitalization, using multidimensional indicators across five key domains: grid automation, customer integration, data analytics, cybersecurity, and market interfaces. Each domain is assessed on a five-level scale, from basic to fully digitalized performance. The proposed methodology is validated through three case studies from Europe: a regional operator in Bulgaria, an urban operator in the Czech Republic, and a large Western European operator. The results highlight variations in digitalization maturity, with key gaps identified in customer integration and market interfaces. The assessment emphasizes strategic priorities and key digital gaps that need to be addressed in the context of the EU's energy transition.

References

  1. H. Farhangi, "The path of the smart grid," IEEE Power Energy Mag., vol. 8, no. 1, pp. 18–28, 2010, doi: 10.1109/MPE.2009.934876.
  2. J. Wu et al., "Data-driven approaches for efficient smart grid systems," Frontiers Energy Res., vol. 3, 2025, doi: 10.3389/fenrg.2025.00001.
  3. IEC 61850, "Communication networks and systems for power utility automation," Int. Electrotechnical Commission, 2020.
  4. ISO/IEC 27001, "Information security management systems," Int. Org. Standardization, 2013.
  5. European Commission, "Smart Readiness Indicator," 2022. [Online]. Available: https://ec.europa.eu.
  6. NIS2 Directive, European Parliament, 2023.
  7. J. Aghaei et al., "Smart grid maturity models," Elect. Power Syst. Res., vol. 193, 2021, doi: 10.1016/j.epsr.2020.106887.
  8. ENTSO-E, "Data Exchange Standards," 2022. [Online]. Available: https://www.entsoe.eu.
  9. Capability Maturity Model Integration (CMMI), Software Eng. Institute, Carnegie Mellon Univ., 2022.
  10. Smart Grid Architecture Model (SGAM), European Commission, 2022.
  11. IEC 61850, Int. Electrotechnical Commission, 2020.
  12. ISO/IEC 27001, Int. Org. Standardization, 2013.
  13. NIS2 Directive, European Parliament, 2023.
  14. European Commission, Smart Readiness Indicator, 2022.
  15. F. Bernier et al., "SafePowerGraph-LLM," 2025. [Online]. Available: https://scispace.com.
  16. M.O. Jeje, "Cybersecurity assessment of smart grids," 2025. [Online]. Available: https://scispace.com.
  17. J. Aghaei et al., Elect. Power Syst. Res., vol. 193, 2021, doi: 10.1016/j.epsr.2020.106887.
  18. ENTSO-E Data Exchange Standards, 2022. [Online]. Available: https://www.entsoe.eu.
  19. Smart Readiness Indicator, European Commission, 2022. [Online]. Available: https://ec.europa.eu.
  20. https://www.smart-energy.com/finance-investment/bulgarian-grid-modernisation-gets-e50m-ebrd-investment
  21. https://www.eca.europa.eu/ecapublications/rv-2025-01/rv-2025-01_en.pdf
  22. Todorov, G.; Kralov, I.; Koprev, I.; Vasilev, H.; Naydenova, I. Coal Share Reduction Options for Power Generation during the Energy Transition: A Bulgarian Perspective. Energies 2024, 17, 929. https://doi.org/10.3390/en17040929

Issue

2025 39th International Conference on Information Technologies, InfoTech 2025 - Proceedings, 2025, Bulgaria, https://doi.org/10.1109/InfoTech67177.2025.11175970

Copyright IEEE

Вид: публикация в международен форум, публикация в реферирано издание, индексирана в Scopus