RESISTO Project, improving the resilience of the distribution network

e‑distribución is leading the RESISTO Project in the area surrounding the Doñana National Park.
Its objective is to improve the resilience of the electricity distribution network against extreme weather events and physical risks, while contributing to the environmental management of the park.

What do we mean by resilience?

In RESISTO, resilience is addressed comprehensively and takes into account:

• Climate risks: flooding, wind, and fire.
• Physical risks: human, animal, or other external factors.

The project acts across all phases of resilience:

• Planning.
• Response.
• Recovery.
• Adaptation.

Project objectives

To respond to these challenges, RESISTO pursues the following objectives:

• To develop a risk and vulnerability assessment tool for the grid across different time horizons.
• To increase the monitoring and control capacity of the electricity grid and its surroundings.
• To optimise the use of the infrastructure, improving its efficiency and safety.
• To apply advances in digitalisation for smarter grid management.
• To validate developments using prototypes in a real-world pilot area.

Key technologies used

To achieve these objectives, e‑distribución relies on innovative technologies, including:

• Artificial intelligence (AI), including machine learning and deep learning.
• Internet of Things (IoT), for measuring environmental variables.
• Autonomous drones and aerial robots.
• Smart sensors and thermographic cameras.
• Weather stations.
• Cloud platforms and massive data processing.
• High-performance computing.
• 3D visualisation, virtual and augmented reality.

What does the use of these technologies enable?

Thanks to these technologies, RESISTO allows us to:

• Implement early warning and detection systems.
• Anticipate extreme events and apply preventive measures.
• Reduce response times to incidents.
• Minimise the risk to personnel through the use of drones.
• Optimise existing infrastructure, avoiding unnecessary investments.

Project benefits

All of the above contributes to:

• Better management of the distribution network.
• Higher quality electricity supply.
• A safer, more efficient grid that is better prepared for extreme events.
• Direct benefits for customers, who are the company's main driving force.

Dissemination and scope

RESISTO aspires to become a benchmark project in electricity grid resilience, with potential application to other critical infrastructure.

The project has a dissemination and communication plan aimed at:

• The industry.
• The research community.
• The general public.