The RESPONDENT Project - Harnessing the Power of Space Technology for Smarter Grids

In today’s energy landscape, the integration of renewable energy sources (RES) into the power grid should no longer be a distant goal, but an urgent necessity.

As global demand for cleaner energy escalates, traditional grids around the world are facing unprecedented challenges in accommodating what is the inherent variability and ​​decentralized nature of renewable energy generation. In order to effectively address these challenges, innovative solutions are required that not only enhance the reliability and efficiency of power grids, but ones that also leverage the power of cutting-edge technologies that strive to optimise energy production and distribution. The RESPONDENT project, funded under the European Union’s Horizon Europe funding programme for research and innovation, is one such initiative that is on the cusp of generating a significant impact.

One of the most pressing issues in the energy sector today that is preventing a drastic uptake of renewable energy sources is their intrinsic variability and the difficulty of forecasting. Unlike conventional power plants which can generate a steady output, renewables such as wind and solar are subject to the whims of nature. This variability naturally raises fears around balancing supply and demand, potentially leading to grid instability and increased reliance on backup power from fossil fuels. ​​Moreover, as the penetration of renewables in the energy mix increases, so does the need to accurately forecast their output.

A further challenge lies in the synchronisation and timing of distributed energy resources (DERs). With a growing number of small-scale generators feeding into the grid, precise timing and coordination are crucial to prevent imbalances that have the potential to disrupt the system. However, current grid management systems often lack the advanced capabilities needed to integrate and manage these decentralised assets efficiently.

Enter RESPONDENT, which stands for Renewable Energy Sources Power fOrecasting and syNchronisation for smart griD nEtworks maNagemenT, an EU-funded project that is tackling these challenges head-on with the development of an AI/ML (Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning) algorithm that utilises space-based data to optimise renewable energy integration. The project, which is managed by the EU Agency for the Space Programme (EUSPA) on behalf of the European Commission, draws on historical and real-time weather data from the Copernicus satellite climate and atmosphere monitoring service (CAMS), combined with advanced machine learning models, to significantly improve the accuracy of renewable energy output forecasts.

The approach adopted by the RESPONDENT project represents a paradigm shift in our approach to renewable energy forecasting. By incorporating satellite data, which provides a comprehensive and high-resolution view of atmospheric conditions, RESPONDENT’s algorithm can make more precise predictions about the availability of solar and wind resources. This increased accuracy—anticipated to be 8-12% higher than current solutions—allows grid operators to better plan for fluctuations in energy supply, reducing the need for costly and carbon-intensive backup power.

Furthermore, RESPONDENT also seeks to integrate Galileo (the EU’s Global Navigation Satellite System) satellite timing and synchronisation services into phasor measurement unit (PMU) devices - an integration that is expected ​​​​​ to ​improve the reliability and stability of smart grid operations. ​​The expected outcomes include ​better time synchronisation​ and a​n ​​     ​improvement in immunity against potential cyber-attacks on grid infrastructure.

The unique application of space technology in the RESPONDENT project underscores the untapped potential of satellite data in addressing some of the most critical challenges facing the energy sector here on Earth. By harnessing the extraordinary power of space-based observations, RESPONDENT is not only contributing to the EU’s climate objectives but also paving the way for a new era of smart grid technology.

The implications of this approach extend beyond the aspirations of the RESPONDENT project itself. As space technology becomes more integrated into energy management, we can expect a broader transformation in how energy systems operate. Enhanced forecasting, improved synchronisation, and better coordination of distributed energy resources will enable a more flexible and adaptive grid—one that can accommodate higher levels of renewables without compromising on stability or reliability.

While the challenges of integrating renewable energy into the grid and climate change more broadly can appear daunting, projects like RESPONDENT are making strides toward overcoming these obstacles. By leveraging AI, ML, and space-based data, RESPONDENT is not only addressing the immediate needs of today’s energy systems, but also laying the groundwork for the smart grids of tomorrow. As we look ahead, the continued development and deployment of such technologies will be crucial in achieving a cleaner, more sustainable energy landscape for future generations.