HEDGE-IOT: EMPOWERING THE POWER GRID WITH AI AND IOT
The energy
transition demands smarter, more resilient systems - and HEDGE-IoT is
leading the way.
Co-funded by Horizon Europe, HEDGE-IoT is a pioneering European project that aims to revolutionize energy systems by deploying IoT assets across all grid levels, from behind-the-meter to Transmission System Operators (TSOs). By integrating AI and Machine Learning at both the edge and cloud layers, the project is unlocking new levels of intelligence, flexibility, and resilience in the power grid.
A DIGITAL FRAMEWORK FOR THE FUTURE
At the heart of HEDGE-IoT is a groundbreaking Digital Framework that bridges the cloud/edge continuum. This framework enables federated applications governed by advanced computational orchestration, paving the way for:
* Enhanced grid resilience
* New flexibility markets
* Scalable,
interoperable energy services
1ST PERIODIC REVIEW MEETING - BRUSSELS, SEPTEMBER
The consortium gathered in Brussels for the 1st Periodic Review Meeting, marking 18 months of progress. The meeting featured:
* Project Officer: Mariana Stantcheva (European Climate, Infrastructure and Environment Executive Agency - CINEA)
* External
Expert: Luciano Boloni (Università di Bologna)
* Consortium Partners: 42 leading organizations
across Europe
KEY HIGHLIGHTS
1. Establishment of a Robust Project Architecture and Use Case Framework
The project
successfully defined 14 Business Use Cases (BUCs) across six pilot
countries, capturing diverse regulatory, climatic, and societal conditions.
These use cases were supported by a comprehensive review of the state of the
art, stakeholder requirements, and system specifications. Two evolutionary
versions of the HEDGE-IoT Reference Architecture were developed, aligned
with SGAM and BRIDGE Data Exchange Reference Architecture (DERA 3.0)
architectures, laying the foundation for interoperable, scalable energy
services across Europe.
2. Development of Technological Enablers and AI/ML Tools
Significant
progress was made in designing and prototyping key technological components,
including AI/ML tools, federated learning algorithms, and a computational
orchestrator for cloud-edge coordination. These tools are central to
enabling intelligent decision-making and operational planning across the energy
infrastructure. The development of services for flexibility optimization,
energy-efficiency, and edge-cloud AI integration demonstrates the project's
commitment to advanced digitalization.
3. Implementation of the Digital Interoperability Framework
The project
delivered a comprehensive interoperability framework, including the
adoption of the Eclipse Dataspace Connector (EDC) for secure data
exchange, a semantic interoperability framework, and a Knowledge
Engine. An operational App Store prototype was also launched,
integrated with the project's data space, offering standardized access to
services and applications. Over 42 services were specified, covering
edge, cloud, and user interface components.
4. Pilot Preparation and Pre-Demonstration Phase Completion
All six
pilots entered the pre-demo phase, with baseline definitions, evaluation
methodologies, and component procurement completed. These pilots span a wide
range of energy scenarios-from grid automation in Finland to energy communities
in Italy-ensuring broad validation of the HEDGE-IoT framework. Initial insights
from pilot preparations are already informing the next stages of implementation
and testing.
5. Launch of Open Call and Impact Outreach Activities
The first Open
Call was successfully launched in July 2025, attracting 35 applications
aimed at complementing the pilot demonstrations. This initiative supports
stakeholder engagement, cross-validation with sister projects like ODEON,
and broader replication of project outcomes. The project also began analyzing
multi-dimensional barriers (legal, economic, social) and initiated ethics
assessments to ensure compliance with EU regulations.
6. Effective Dissemination, Exploitation, and Standardization Efforts
HEDGE-IoT executed a strong communication and dissemination strategy, including the launch of its website, social media channels, newsletters, and participation in over 20 industry events. The consortium published 18 scientific papers, engaged with European initiatives (AIOTI, IDSA, FIWARE), and contributed to standardization bodies (ISO/IEC, ETSI, CEN-CENELEC). These efforts are enhancing visibility, fostering collaboration, and preparing the ground for future exploitation.
SIX PILOTS ACROSS EUROPE
HEDGE-IoT is being tested in real-world scenarios through six innovative pilots:
* Finland - Grid automation with IoT and
edge/cloud data (ABB)
* Greece - Local Flexibility Markets
powered by Edge Computing (PPC)
* Italy - Digital Energy Communities and
EV stations (ARETI)
* Netherlands - Arnhems Buiten Energy
Innovation Campus (AB)
* Portugal - Living Lab for AI-based
Energy Services (CEVE)
* Slovenia - Flexibility services for
asset lifetime extension (EG)
WHAT'S NEXT?
The consortium presented the first MVP (Minimal Viable Product) of the pilot technologies, showcasing:
* Innovative IoT and cloud-based tools
* Achieved milestones and deliverables
* A clear roadmap for the next phases
The HEDGE-IoT
project is now preparing to enter the full testing phase, a crucial
milestone where the developed solutions will be tested under real-world
conditions.
This stage
will validate the interoperability, robustness, and intelligence of the
implemented systems, putting the services and technologies to the test in each
of the six European pilot projects.
It's time
to transform innovation into tangible results, with a direct impact on the
digitalization and resilience of electricity grids.
HEDGE-IoT is not just a project - it's a vision
for the future of energy.
Infographic about project workflow organization
Consortium members
HEDGE-IoT Pilots
Pilot 5 - Portugal - Being presented by Ana Pereira (CEVE), Pilot
Leader.
STAY CONNECTED
Follow our journey as we continue to shape the future of smart grids and energy innovation.
HEDGE-IoT @ R&D Nester website
Disclaimer:
This research received funding from the European Union's Horizon Europe
research and innovation program under the Grant Agreement number 101136216.
Views and opinions expressed are, however, those of the author(s) only
and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European
Climate, Infrastructure, and Environment Executive Agency. Neither the European
Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.