Achieving a net-zero energy system requires interdisciplinary knowledge and innovation, particularly in the development of smart grids. This project is driven by the need to accelerate the transition toward climate-neutral energy systems in Lower Saxony and Scotland. Both regions have established ambitious decarbonisation targets. Achieving these targets necessitates not only the large-scale deployment of renewable energy resources and the electrification of key sectors, but also the development of intelligent, resilient, secure, and interoperable energy systems. In particular, ensuring wide-area system integrity, real-time coordination, and resilience against disturbances is essential under conditions of high penetration of distributed and renewable generation. A multidisciplinary approach is therefore critical for transforming smart grid concepts into practical, real-world solutions.

In this context, OFFIS – Institute for Information Technology and the University of Strathclyde are conducting joint research to enhance wide-area system integrity protection by leveraging a multi-agent-based approach. The objective is to design, implement, and validate a proof-of-concept real-time multi-agent system for integrated grid defence. By combining OFFIS’s expertise in energy informatics, distributed systems, and co-simulation with Strathclyde’s strengths in power system control, protection, and real-time hardware-in-the-loop testing, the partnership aims to demonstrate a first-of-its-kind real-time multi-agent-based framework that enhances grid resilience and strengthens wide-area protection.

Ultimately, the project seeks to advance scientific excellence while delivering tangible tools to support secure and intelligent smart grid operation. It will strengthen long-term academic collaboration between Lower Saxony and Scotland and contribute directly to a reliable, sustainable, and net-zero energy transition in both regions.

Funded by zukunft.niedersachsen, the joint science funding programme of the Lower Saxony Ministry of Science and Culture and the VolkswagenStiftung.