Digital Twin of the Power System: Chuvashia Builds the Energy of the Future
Chuvashia is building a digital twin of its power grid, a move set to cut outages, reduce losses, and open the way to predictive energy management — placing the region at the forefront of Russia’s smart energy transition.
From Blueprint to Pilot
The “Digital Energy Region” project in Chuvashia is currently at the pre-design survey stage. It envisions creating a virtual copy of the republic’s power system, capable of monitoring infrastructure performance in real time: detecting failures, outages, optimizing energy distribution, and supporting rapid responses to emergencies. A pilot project has already been successfully tested in the “New City” district of Cheboksary, where remote control systems have proven their efficiency.
The project’s target indicators are impressive: emergency response times will be cut by 20%, electricity underdelivery reduced by 15%, and network losses decreased by 10%. For consumers, this means more reliable power supply; for the region, it means modernized infrastructure and the creation of a state-of-the-art grid control center.
Roadmap Through 2031
The project will be implemented in stages through 2031. In the first stage (2025–2026), project documentation will be developed, AI technologies introduced, and a “digital shadow” — a simulation model of the power system — created. In the second stage (2027–2028), a full-scale digital twin with AI elements for managing and monitoring grid conditions will be deployed.
A central element will be the digital grid control center, equipped with a modern video wall for visualizing power supply schemes and advanced telecommunications tools. This will make it possible to redirect energy flows quickly without major capital investments in infrastructure.
Another key component is workforce training. The Chuvash State University named after I.N. Ulyanov is launching a “School of Digital Energy” to prepare a new generation of engineers, addressing the shortage of skilled personnel in this high-tech sector.
Aligning with Russia’s Digital Energy Agenda
The Chuvash initiative is part of a nationwide trend toward digitalization in Russia’s fuel and energy sector. Similar projects are being carried out by Rosseti, which since 2023 has been creating a digital twin of the power system covering more than 500,000 facilities. In Moscow, “digital grid districts” have been developed over the past five years under the “Digital Transformation 2030” program. Yet Chuvashia’s project stands out for its comprehensive approach and regional scale.
The expected economic effect is substantial: the Chuvash project aims to unlock more than 3 billion rubles (about USD 36 million) in private investment, create over 100 high-productivity jobs, and deliver 1.3 billion rubles (about USD 16 million) in new tax revenues. AI technologies will also release 30 MW of capacity in the Cheboksary agglomeration, providing reserves for new connections without costly grid reconstruction.
Scaling Across Regions and Beyond
Successful implementation in Chuvashia will set a precedent for replication in other Russian regions, especially across the Volga Federal District. The developed solutions could also attract international interest, particularly in countries facing fast-growing grid loads.
The project demonstrates how digital technologies — from artificial intelligence to platform-based systems — are transforming traditional industries, improving efficiency and reliability. It reflects a global trend toward “smart” energy systems, where machines and people work together for optimal resource management.
With these bold initiatives, Chuvashia confirms its status as one of Russia’s most technologically advanced regions, where innovation is introduced systematically and with measurable results.
