HEDGE-IoT European Project's main objective is to revolutionise energy systems by deploying IoT assets across different levels, from behind-the-meter to the TSO level, and infusing intelligence into the edge and cloud layers using advanced AI/ML tools. 

HEDGE-IoT will introduce a groundbreaking Digital Framework that bridges the cloud/edge continuum and introduces federated applications governed by advanced computational orchestration solutions. This framework will enhance the resilience of the grid, unlock untapped flexibility potential, and create new market opportunities. 

R&D Nester contributes to HEDGE-IoT by bringing a strong power system, flexibility and market-simulation perspective to the development of AI, IoT and Edge-Cloud solutions. Its work is mainly connected with the definition of stakeholder and system requirements, technological enablers, and demonstration activities, particularly in the scope of the Portuguese pilot.

R&D Nester's role is especially relevant in the bridge between digital energy services and real power system needs. In practice, this means contributing to how distributed energy resources, including residential, commercial and community-based assets can be monitored, aggregated, simulated and eventually connected to flexibility services and ancillary service mechanisms.

R&D Nester and REN participated in the 4th HEDGE-IoT Plenary Meeting, in Mikkeli, Finland.

HEDGE-IoT partners group photo

The meeting brought together the project consortium to assess the progress achieved so far, align the technical work towards the next review milestone, and prepare the transition from fully functional implementations to large-scale demonstration activities.

The meeting took place at a particularly important moment for HEDGE-IoT. The project has now reached the M28 milestone, corresponding to the phase of fully functional implementation of the demonstrators. This follows the earlier M18 proof-of-concept phase and prepares the ground for the M38 large-scale demo operation phase, planned for March 2027.

Photo 2 - PT Pilot presentation

For R&D Nester and REN, the plenary was an opportunity to reinforce the Portuguese contribution to the project: connecting distributed flexibility, energy communities, AI-based services, interoperable data exchange, and future market participation mechanisms with the operational perspective of the power system.

TECHNICAL VISIT: CONNECTING PROJECT CONCEPTS WITH REAL INFRASTRUCTURE

The plenary also included a pilot site visit at a Kissakoski substation and a Kissakosken small hydro power plant, both included in the Finish demo site.

This visit added an important field perspective to the meeting. HEDGE-IoT is strongly based on digital concepts, including edge intelligence, cloud orchestration, IoT integration, data spaces and AI/ML applications, but these concepts only create value if they can be connected to real power system assets and operational environments.

The visit helped illustrate the practical challenges of deploying digital energy services in the field: data availability, communication infrastructure, cybersecurity, integration with existing equipment, operational reliability and the need to translate advanced analytics into actionable information for grid and asset operators.

Kissakoski substation visit

Kissakoski substation power transformer

Kissakosken small hydro power plant visit

Kissakosken small hydro power plant control room visit

Kissakosken small hydro power plant

For more information:

HEDGE-IoT website

HEDGE-IoT @ R&D Nester website