SmartNet Project

Towards a more efficient and flexible electrical network

SmartNet explores the application of new technologies to improve the efficiency and stability of the electricity grid.

What is the SmartNet project?

SmartNet is a European project that analyses how to apply new technologies to improve the efficiency, stability, and flexibility of the electricity grid.

The project is based on an increasingly common reality:
energy consumers can also be producers, for example, thanks to self-consumption installations.

The new role of the distribution company

In the electricity system of the future, the distribution company will play a more active role than it does today.

Its role will be to:

  • Coordinate small-scale energy demand and generation.
  • Facilitate information exchange with transmission companies.
  • Ensure the safe and efficient operation of the grid.

A collaborative European project

e‑distribución is part of the SmartNet European consortium, made up of:

  • 22 companies and institutions.
  • 9 European countries.
  • A total budget of €12.6 million.

The common goal is to jointly analyse the opportunities and challenges of the electricity system of the future.

Benefits for consumers and producers

The project seeks to facilitate the participation of so-called prosumers, i.e., people who both consume and produce energy.

SmartNet aims to:

  • Pool the energy generated and consumed by small-scale users.
  • Manage this energy in a flexible and coordinated way.
  • Improve the efficiency of the electricity system as a whole.

All of this is supported by the use of smart grids.

The e‑distribución pilot in Barcelona

e‑distribución is leading one of the three pilot projects of the SmartNet programme in Europe.

This pilot, taking place in Barcelona, aims to:

  • Demonstrate that the distribution company can act as an aggregator for small-scale producers and consumers.
  • Test a more open and efficient collaborative grid model.
  • Lay the foundations for expanding this model in the future.

Our commitment to innovation

By participating in SmartNet, at e‑distribución we are reinforcing our commitment to:

  • Innovation.
  • Research and development.
  • The evolution of electricity market services.