Building a Sustainable Future: The Role of Digital Twins in Transforming Europe’s Energy Systems
K. Turcsanyi, I. Vokony Department of Electric Power Engineering. Budapest University of Technology and Economics. Egry Jozsef 18. Budapest - Hungary   2025-07-25

Abstract

In an era marked by an urgent need for sustainable energy solutions, digital twins have emerged as a pivotal innovation to address the challenges of modern power systems. Digital twins provide a real-time virtual model of physical energy systems, enabling enhanced monitoring, simulation, and optimization. This paper examines the TwinEU initiative, a cornerstone of the Horizon Europe program, which seeks to implement a pan-European digital twin ecosystem to revolutionize the management and operation of power grids. The study covers the development of digital twin technology, its architecture, and its application across transmission and distribution networks and energy markets. Results demonstrate how digital twins facilitate the integration of renewable energy, enhance grid flexibility, and ensure the reliability of Europe’s energy systems. Furthermore, it explores the role of federated digital twin ecosystems in fostering cross-sectoral collaboration and innovation, paving the way for a unified and sustainable energy infrastructure.

Key words: Digital twin, TwinEU, Energy market, Power system operation, Power system planning

References

[1] Qi, Q., Tao, F., Hu, T., Anwer, N., Liu, A., Wei, Y., Wang, L., & Nee, A. Y. C. (2021). Enabling technologies and tools for digital twin. Journal of Manufacturing Systems, 58, 3–21. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jmsy.2019.10.001

[2] Hehenberger, P., & Bradley, D. (Szerk.). (2016). Mechatronic Futures. Springer International Publishing. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-32156-1

[3] TwinEU Consortium, (2024). HORIZON-CL5-2023-D3-01-10 – Digital Twin for Europe. (Application document)

[4] TwinEU Consortium, (2024), HORIZON-CL5-2023-D3-01-10 – Digital Twin for Europe, (Report on the project)