Digital transformation in the energy sector concerns the development and integration of data, software, and communication technologies as a foundational infrastructure for modern energy systems. Within SDU’s research, this transformation is addressed through energy informatics, where digital solutions are engineered to enable real time monitoring, intelligent control, and coordinated operation across the entire energy value chain.
Digital transformation provides the foundation for sector coupling across electricity, district heating, and Power-to-X. Through data-driven coordination and software-based system integration, previously separated energy infrastructures are connected into a unified and adaptive energy system that supports flexibility, efficiency, and resilience.
Digital transformation spans the full energy supply chain:
Energy production
Data driven models and digital systems enable forecasting, optimisation, and coordinated control of renewable energy sources such as wind, solar, and bioenergy, supporting stable generation and integration with downstream energy systems.
Associated research areas:
SDU-CEI Smart Energy Networks
SDU-CEI Smart Energy Digital Infrastructure
Transmission systems
Digital monitoring, analytics, and control enable real time balancing of large scale energy flows and support the integration of variable renewable energy across interconnected transmission networks.
Associated research areas:
SDU-CEI Smart Energy Networks
SDU-CEI Smart Energy Digital Infrastructure
Distribution systems
Smart grid solutions coordinate distributed energy resources, including local generation, storage, and flexible demand, enabling bidirectional energy flows and integration with both upstream networks and downstream consumers.
Associated research areas:
SDU-CEI Smart Energy Networks
SDU-CEI Smart Energy Digital Infrastructure
SDU-CEI Smart Cities and Communities
Demand side systems
Smart buildings, industrial systems, and energy management solutions optimise consumption while providing flexibility to the wider energy system, enabling active participation in system balancing and sector coupling.
Associated research areas:
SDU-CEI Smart Buildings
SDU-CEI Smart Industrie
SDU-CEI Smart Cities and Communities
SDU-CEI Smart Energy Digital Infrastructure
Energy markets and business ecosystems
Digital platforms enable data exchange, coordination, and new market mechanisms that connect actors across the energy system, supporting flexibility markets, sector coupling, and integrated energy services.
Associated research areas:
SDU-CEI Smart Energy Ecosystems
SDU-CEI Smart Energy Networks