Enabling Resilient Energy Grids: Distribution Automation Drives Smart Grid Success

In July 2021, the European Commission set an ambitious goal: by 2030, 40 % of Europe’s energy consumption must come from renewable sources. This shift brings a new set of challenges to grid operators—balancing highly variable renewable generation with rising demand, especially from electric vehicles and heat‑pump technologies. The answer lies in smart grids, and distribution automation is the key enabler.

Johan van der Veen, an energy‑sector account manager at remote‑monitoring specialist Ovarro, explains how automating the distribution network makes a fail‑proof, diversified grid possible.

Adapting to a Dynamic Energy Landscape

The traditional, top‑down grid model—one producer feeding many consumers—is giving way to a more fluid, bidirectional flow. Solar, wind, and wave farms feed power back into the network, while customers increasingly generate electricity themselves. When supply and demand misalign, power losses rise and outages become more frequent. With hefty fines and public scrutiny on the line, reliability is non‑negotiable.

Rather than investing heavily in new infrastructure, the smartest path is to make existing assets smarter. Since 1977, Datawatt, now part of Ovarro, has pioneered distribution‑automation technologies long before the term “smart grid” entered common usage.

Work Smarter, Not Harder

Distribution automation focuses on the final leg of the power chain—from the last substation to the customer’s premises. Historically, this low‑voltage section was monitored only by metering devices. Modern solutions extend real‑time monitoring and control to this critical zone.

Smart grids rely on sensor networks to capture vast amounts of data, enabling predictive analytics and rapid fault detection. Think of the grid as a chain of cables: a single broken link disables the entire chain. With automated fault isolation, the system can re‑route power from alternate paths, maintaining service while maintenance crews target the precise fault location.

Previously, engineers would drive between substations, hunting for a fault. Remote monitoring reduces outage duration dramatically by directing crews directly to the problem source.

Ovarro’s Smart‑Grid Solutions

Ovarro delivers comprehensive remote‑monitoring and SCADA systems tailored for distribution networks. The Datawatt Smart Grid (DSG) series of remote telemetry units (RTUs) prioritises flexibility and security, complying with European Network for Cyber Security (ENCS) standards. Built on Linux, the DSG platform offers unparalleled reliability and stability.

Beyond RTUs, Ovarro assembles ready‑to‑install cabinets that combine its own hardware with trusted third‑party components, providing turnkey solutions that field teams can deploy quickly.

For smaller operators, the Datawatt Stream WebSCADA offers a central, web‑based portal that streams real‑time data to any device. It’s ideal for managing multiple sites, ensuring seamless operation and maintenance, and integrating data into a customer’s existing systems.

Data is the lifeblood of smart grids. RTUs and SCADA systems act as the grid’s nervous system—collecting, analysing, and acting on process data to enable faster, more informed decisions.

As Europe accelerates its renewable transition, efficient distribution management becomes critical. Automation—through solutions like the DSG series—provides the resilience needed to prevent outages and resolve faults swiftly.

For deeper insight into remote monitoring for energy grids, visit Ovarro’s website.

Author: Johan van der Veen, Energy Account Manager at Ovarro.