Smart Grids for a Strategic Region: Digitalization Is Transforming Yugra’s Energy Sector

Digital Modernization at the Core of the Grid

In November 2025, the Khanty‑Mansi Autonomous Area — Yugra completed a major digital modernization project, upgrading seven key substations rated at 220 kV and 500 kV. The effort, carried out by Rosseti’s Ural Transmission Grid branch, cost the equivalent of about $4.4 million and focused on strengthening the reliability of power supply across this strategic region.

These substations support the output of Yugra’s northernmost power plant, the Nyagan GRES, facilitate energy flows into the neighboring Tyumen Region, and supply electricity to Surgut and Nefteyugansk districts.

The central upgrade involved replacing outdated telemechanics with new domestic systems for real‑time data collection and transmission. These next‑generation digital platforms process far larger data volumes, enabling precise load forecasting and instantaneous analysis of relay‑protection and anti‑failure mechanisms.

Equipment status is now monitored 24/7 by the Ural Grid Control Center and the national System Operator, providing continuous situational awareness and raising the quality of grid oversight.

“Russia plans to reach full digitalization in the energy sector by 2035. This will improve efficiency and ensure stability. Our country is already advancing actively in this direction. We estimate that we are currently at about 40 percent of our target. By 2035, we intend to achieve complete digitalization — a fully digital model of our energy system, which will include automation, robotics, and the deployment of modern digital twins and digital platforms.”

Alexander Novak

Deputy Prime Minister

Expansion Planned Through 2026

By the end of 2026, Ural Transmission Grid specialists plan to modernize information‑management systems at 14 additional backbone substations, including major power hubs for Russia’s oil and gas industry — such as Pyt‑Yakh, Avrora, Kholmogorskaya, Zima, and Mirazh.

The Yugra modernization creates a blueprint for scaling similar digital‑grid projects across northern and resource‑heavy territories, where infrastructure loads are high and reliability is paramount.

Adoption of Russian‑made digital systems strengthens technological sovereignty and opens potential export opportunities for friendly foreign markets. Increased operational efficiency and reduced outages lower utility costs in the long term, potentially benefiting end users.

Part of a Broader Digitalization Strategy

The project aligns with the Rosseti Group’s long‑term “Digital Transformation 2030” strategy. Since 2018, the company has been rolling out digital substations nationwide, including automated systems in the Kaliningrad Region.

In August 2025, three 500‑kV substations in the Southern Urals completed similar modernization. New Russian‑made digital complexes boosted electricity reliability for the Magnitogorsk Iron and Steel Works and other consumers across western Chelyabinsk.

Digitalization as the Grid’s Growth Engine

Digital‑grid technologies in the Rosseti network are driving domestic R&D and accelerating the development of Russia’s IT and engineering sectors. Strategic partners continuously deploy new solutions to enhance grid resilience.

These solutions, tested under harsh climate conditions, may eventually find demand in friendly countries seeking to modernize energy infrastructure under conditions of rising electricity consumption.

Domestically, Russian digital systems increase technological independence and support the government’s mandate to digitize the national economy. Modernization in Yugra is therefore not merely equipment renewal — it is a strategic advance toward a more resilient, intelligent, and self‑reliant national power system.