EDF International Networks

What we learn from working with Distribution System Operators around the world


Regardless of the country or regulatory framework, one trend is becoming increasingly clear: distribution networks are becoming more and more data-driven.
 
📡 Smart meters are no longer just billing devices. Combined with communication gateways, they form a true network of sensors, providing real-time visibility that is transforming operations, processes, and even the organization of distribution system operators.
 
🎛️ Control rooms are evolving. Automation solutions, ADMS platforms, and DERMS systems are enabling operators to move beyond traditional network supervision towards dynamic, real-time management of increasingly complex grids.
 
⚡ Distribution networks will play a decisive role in enabling the energy transition. As renewable energy sources, electric vehicles, and flexibility resources continue to grow, DSOs are becoming key enablers of electrification.
 
The challenge is not only to maintain reliability and quality of service, but also to ensure affordability.

💬 How can DSOs balance electrification, grid modernization and affordability ?

🌍 We were pleased to welcome a delegation from YEDAŞ – Yeşilırmak Elektrik Dağıtım A.Ş., Turkey’s electricity distribution system operator, as part of our Study Tour program.

🔹 This visit provided a valuable platform to exchange on the key technical and operational challenges facing modern distribution networks. Discussions focused on advanced topics including smart grid architectures, grid digitalization, asset performance management, network resilience and flexibility, renewable energy integration, advanced metering infrastructure (AMI), and the application of artificial intelligence for grid optimization and predictive maintenance.

Through these exchanges, participants shared practical feedback and strategic insights on how DSOs can enhance operational efficiency, improve quality of service, and accelerate the transition towards more intelligent, sustainable, and resilient power systems.

👏 A meaningful opportunity to strengthen international cooperation and foster knowledge sharing among electricity network operators.
Sokolov Aleksandr , Julien D.

🌍 We were delighted to meet with HEP-ODS, Croatia’s distribution system operator, during CIGRE.

🔹 Our discussions highlighted a shared vision of the challenges and opportunities shaping the future of electricity distribution networks. We exchanged perspectives on the digitalization of distribution grids across all network levels, the organizational changes required to fully benefit from grid modernization, and the growing importance of flexibility and demand-side management in an evolving energy landscape.

🔹 We also explored the evolving role of DSOs, the deployment of advanced metering infrastructure (AMI), and network tariff models that can support the energy transition while ensuring efficient and resilient grid operations.

👏 These insightful conversations mark the beginning of what we hope will be a strong and fruitful collaboration. We look forward to working together to help shape the distribution networks of tomorrow.
Mathieu Carluer, Renato Ćućić, Danijela Žaja , Hrvoje Jelić, Tomislav Alinjak, mladen modrovcic

Looking Back at CIGRE 2026

On August 25, our colleague Mathieu Carluer, Head of Europe and North America, had the pleasure of participating in CIGRE and the Grids in Transition Europe event, which brought together leading energy experts and industry stakeholders to discuss the future of electricity networks across Europe.

On this occasion, Mathieu shared our experience and insights on a key topic of the energy transition: how to leverage energy storage, smart grids, and flexibility mechanisms to enhance power system reliability, through the evolving role of Distribution System Operators (DSOs), and particularly the transformation of distribution network control rooms.

As European power systems continue to integrate increasing shares of renewable energy, the challenges of resilience, security, and operational performance are becoming more strategic than ever. The evolution of control rooms is a critical enabler for addressing these challenges and supporting the ongoing transformation of electricity networks.

👏 A big thank you to the organizers and participants for the quality of the discussions and exchanges on the solutions that will shape the grids of tomorrow.