Siemens has introduced new software aimed at helping electricity grid operators increase capacity and move toward autonomous grid management. The Gridscale X Flexibility Manager is part of Siemens Xcelerator, a digital platform designed to support customers in their digital transformation efforts.
The software allows distribution system operators (DSOs) to monitor grid conditions and forecast potential overloads. When constraints are predicted, it identifies flexibility options from distributed resources such as electric vehicles, heat pumps, batteries, or distributed generation. Operators can then select and activate the most effective measures through connected market or operator platforms to balance the grid.
According to Siemens, using the Gridscale X Flexibility Manager can enable DSOs to utilize up to 20 percent more grid capacity and reduce investment costs by up to 40 percent by making strategic use of flexibility instead of relying solely on traditional infrastructure upgrades.
A case study with Austrian utility Kärnten Netz (KNG) highlights how the software is being used in practice. KNG is preparing for a significant increase in photovoltaic capacity in Carinthia by 2030, which is expected to nearly double and present new challenges related to congestion and voltage stability. The company partnered with Siemens to develop the Flexibility Manager solution in anticipation of Austria’s shift toward a market-based flexibility framework.
“We are facing a new and increasingly complex regulatory framework, combined with massive challenges in system operations as we transition to a cleaner energy future,” said Robert Schmaranz, Head of Operations at KNG. “Collaborating with Siemens, we were able to address real network challenges while preparing for the upcoming market-based flexibility framework. The collaboration also gave us the opportunity to exchange experiences with other European DSOs, sharing best practices as we collectively shape the next phase of flexibility implementation.”
The development of Gridscale X Flexibility Manager involved cooperation with several other European DSOs including Alliander, Areti, and Elviaa.