Enabling Smart Grids for Europe’s 2030 Renewable Energy Targets

In July 2021 the European Commission set a bold target: by 2030, 40 % of all energy consumed in Europe must come from renewable sources. Meeting this ambition requires a new level of sophistication in grid management. The answer lies in smart grids, and Johan van der Veen, account manager at remote‑monitoring specialist Ovarro, explains how distribution automation turns this vision into reality.

Work Smarter, Not Harder

Modern distribution automation covers the last mile of the energy network—from the final substation to the homes and businesses it serves. Historically, this low‑voltage segment was largely unmanaged beyond basic metering. Today, the trend is to extend real‑time monitoring and control into this critical zone.

Smart grids use sophisticated monitoring equipment to collect, analyze, and act on data. This enables operators to predict problems, detect faults instantly, and isolate issues remotely—often before customers even notice a disruption. The result is shorter outage times, reduced power loss, and fewer costly incidents.

Before remote monitoring, engineers had to drive between stations to locate a fault. With automated fault detection, maintenance crews can jump straight to the source, dramatically cutting repair times.

Solutions for Smart Grids

Ovarro supplies a full suite of remote monitoring and SCADA solutions tailored for distribution grids. The Datawatt Smart Grid (DSG) series of Remote Telemetry Units (RTUs) operate on Linux, the proven open‑source platform, and comply with European Network for Cyber Security (ENCS) standards for maximum reliability and security.

Ovarro RTUs collect and manage critical data, then make it available to higher‑level systems for analysis. The company also offers integrated cabinets that combine its own hardware with trusted third‑party components, delivering turnkey solutions that can be installed swiftly on the field.

For smaller operators, the Datawatt Stream WebSCADA provides a central, web‑based portal that aggregates real‑time data across multiple sites. This user‑friendly system facilitates seamless control and maintenance, while the data can be exported into the customer’s own central platform for unified visibility.

Access to high‑quality data is what transforms a conventional grid into a smart one. RTUs and SCADA systems are the building blocks that enable rapid, data‑driven decision making—essential as Europe moves toward higher renewable penetration.

As renewable generation becomes the backbone of the energy mix, effective distribution management will be more critical than ever. Automation, exemplified by the DSG RTUs, helps prevent outages, quickly resolve faults, and keep the grid reliable.

For more information on remote monitoring for energy grids, visit Ovarro.

Contact Ovarro

Phone: +44 (0) 1246 437400
Website: www.ovarro.com
Address: Rotherside Road, Sheffield, South Yorkshire S21 4HL, GB