Smart Energy Systems Reveal the Future Shape of Power Grids
At the dispatch center of the System Operator’s regional branch–the Dispatch Office for the Power Systems of the Lipetsk and Tambov Regions–a digital Stability Margin Monitoring System (SMMS) has been deployed, enabling real-time calculation of maximum permissible power flows and offering operators a clearer, more data‑driven picture of grid behavior.
Power Grids Melt the "Fog of War"
Practical results are already visible: in the Tambov power system, on the critical Tambovskoe‑3 transmission corridor, operators succeeded in increasing active power transfer capacity by up to 20% (equivalent to 20 MW) without constructing additional transmission lines. This became possible because dispatchers now receive high‑accuracy real‑time data on how much power can be safely transferred through existing infrastructure under current operating conditions.
The operation of SMMS has a striking parallel with strategic computer‑game mechanics. Previously, dispatchers controlled the grid using a static, pre‑calculated view based on a worst‑case N‑1 scenario, a situation similar to playing a game where part of the map is obscured by a “fog of war.” This forced conservative decisions and large operating margins.
SMMS effectively lifts this fog. The system continuously analyzes thousands of parameters–actual load, ambient temperature, equipment condition, overload tolerances, and even short‑term operating risks–and every few minutes recalculates how heavily the network can be safely loaded at that exact moment. Much like in a modern real‑time strategy engine, the algorithms forecast developing conditions so dispatchers can select the most efficient and secure operating mode.
The result is higher reliability and a more efficient use of existing grid infrastructure, postponing the need for multibillion‑dollar capital investments in new transmission lines.
What Lies Ahead for Smart Grids
The Russian SMMS represents a ready‑to‑deploy competitive solution for countries seeking to modernize their power grids without large‑scale capital expenditure on new infrastructure.
As the share of variable renewable generation–solar and wind–continues to grow, the demand for flexible, algorithm‑driven grid management will accelerate. Systems like SMMS can balance these fluctuations in real time, an increasingly important capability for grids with high renewable penetration.
Looking ahead, the next stage will involve integrating such systems with neural‑network forecasting models and elements of artificial intelligence, enabling greater accuracy and more autonomous operational decisions.
The key challenge is ensuring cybersecurity and resilience of the algorithms themselves. Cyber‑physical protection of power grids is becoming as critical as safeguarding against physical failures. This evolving contest mirrors online gaming, where defense mechanisms must continuously adapt to counter emerging attack strategies.
Scaling Up Success
The deployment of SMMS in the Tambov region is not an isolated case. It is part of a nationwide digitalization program reshaping grid‑operations standards across Russia.
The technology is being introduced systematically across the country. In the Unified Power System of Siberia, SMMS has been in operation since 2018 and now monitors hundreds of transmission corridors.
In the Kemerovo region, the system boosted transfer capability on certain sections by between 4% and 35%. In St. Petersburg and the Leningrad region, SMMS helped optimize the summer maintenance campaign at local power plants by improving scenario planning and reducing operational constraints.
A Digital Standard for the Entire Grid
SMMS is a fully domestic technology jointly developed by the System Operator (SO UPS) and the Scientific and Technical Center of the Unified Power System (NTC UPS). Its widespread deployment is forming a new national digital standard for grid management.
Field results demonstrate that intelligent algorithms are becoming central to extracting greater operational value from existing assets. Modern next‑generation SCADA systems can simulate dozens of scenarios within fractions of a second, selecting the most efficient and secure configuration.
The adoption of SMMS in the Tambov region is more than a local optimization effort. It is a clear example of how digital technologies are transforming the management of critical infrastructure, shifting it from an asset‑centric model–focused on metal and wires–to a data‑centric model driven by analytics and algorithmic insight.
