WP2 has advanced its modular software framework for modelling electricity distribution networks into a fully integrated digital twin by incorporating real operational data. A key milestone has been the completion of a visual demonstrator designed to support broad stakeholder engagement and showcase the capabilities of the digital twin approach.
Developed with support from a newly recruited software engineer, the demonstrator presents complex network modelling outputs in an accessible and interactive format. The software engineer has also played a key role in enabling the transfer of WP2 outputs for use across other work packages, strengthening integration and collaboration. Future applications of the demonstrator will be refined based on feedback from project partners and stakeholders.
WP2 has also benefited from strong external engagement through the joint Strathclyde–Comillas University MSc programme. As part of this collaboration, students undertook summer internships with SPEN, developing network modelling tools under the supervision of ENSIGN WP2 staff. SPEN is now translating these research outputs into operational practice, with applications including improved fault location, identification of customer vulnerabilities, and more efficient quantification of network resilience.
Together, these activities highlight WP2’s contribution to bridging advanced network modelling research with real world utility operations and workforce development.
ENSIGN WP2 (Electrical sub-DT) has modelled an entire neighbourhood network within the SPEN SPD licence area down to premises level, exporting the results to the Common Information Model (CIM) format that is in increasing use across the industry to standardise reporting.
The electrical digital twin will be merged into the integrated digital twin in Quarter 1 2026, with a demonstration showing how geospatial network information can be converted automatically into a working power flow model against which future low carbon technology adoption scenarios can be evaluated.
Furthermore, to enhance scalability of the digital twin, a surrogate model approach has been developed to enable alternative models for areas where no or limited network data are available or if evaluating network behaviour is time critical. Integration of domestic premises load synthesis at scale is underway. This is expected to be pulled through to SPEN connectivity tools for evaluation.
Researchers from of WP2 will be delivering papers at internationally recognised conferences noted below, further contributing to the global exchange of knowledge and highlighting the project’s ongoing impact. These activities represent significant milestones in our engagement and dissemination efforts, and further details will be provided in due course.
Papers Submitted:
July 2026 – The 9th European Conference of the Prognostics and Health Management Society 2026 (PHME26) – Oslo, Norway
Paper Submitted: Impact of Reactive Power Forecasting Assumptions on Distribution Transformer Prognostics
July 2026 – 2026 IEEE Power & Energy Society General Meeting – Montreal, Canada
Paper Submitted: Automated Calibration of LV Distribution Network Digital Twins for Future Scenario Generation
WP2 has made strong strides in modelling SP Energy Network’s (SPEN) distribution networks and enhancing data-driven capabilities:
Scalable Modelling Framework:
The goal is to create a reusable, adaptable framework to model any SPEN distribution network, with key features of this to include:
What’s Next?
Going forward the next steps for WP2 are:
