For more than a century, electricity grids have reliably supplied energy without depending on computer-based communication—indeed, their core principles predate computers entirely. Today, however, the grid is undergoing rapid change: industrial processes, mobility, and heating are increasingly electrified, which boosts consumption and makes it harder to predict. Meanwhile, the shift to renewable power generation introduces greater volatility, reduces both controllability and predictability, and eliminates mechanical inertia—leading to more dynamic behavior that demands faster responses. These changes necessitate new paradigms for grid operation. Our goal is to address these challenges by leveraging computer communication to proactively balance supply and demand and prevent instabilities.

SAFEr Grid (2025-2031) seeks to develop a stable, resilient, and scalable electricity infrastructure for a carbon-neutral era. By introducing asynchronous subgrids and a store-and-forward principle, it aims to overcome the limitations of today’s synchronous power system. Funded by the prestigious ERC Synergy Grant, the project draws on expertise from RWTH Aachen University and Aalborg University, inspired by the Internet’s distributed architecture.

REDeFiNE (2020-2023), part of the DFG Priority Program on Cyber-Physical Networking (SPP 1914), explores a novel approach to smart grid frequency control beyond traditional hierarchical methods. By integrating communication and control, it aims to enable distributed frequency management for countless small, dynamic power generators. In-network processing, including real-time frequency predictions and the use of communication-system insights, helps address delays and uncertainties. Complemented by U.S. partners focusing on distributed frequency and voltage control, REDeFiNE ultimately seeks to enhance grid stability and scalability in future power systems.

VeN²uS (2021-2025) addresses the challenge of frequent power grid topology changes—driven by decentralized renewable energies—by developing an adaptive and networked grid protection system. This system dynamically adjusts protection parameters to ensure safe operation, verified through both laboratory demonstrations and, for the first time in Germany, field trials. COMSYS contributes communication mechanisms that combine high resilience against failures, low-latency performance, and robust hardware-based security, enabling reliable and secure data exchange for critical grid protection functions.

The QuGrids project (2024-2026), spanning ten research groups from FZJ, RWTH, Fraunhofer FIT, and the University of Münster, investigates how quantum technologies can enhance planning and operation of future energy grids. Funded under the “Profilbildung 2022” program by MKW NRW, it aims to build a strong, intradisciplinary research network in North Rhine-Westphalia. The project addresses three main areas: developing quantum-based energy grid demos, identifying broader research opportunities, and integrating quantum topics into academic teaching. COMSYS contributes to all work packages, focusing on quantum communication—particularly Quantum Key Distribution and advanced information flow paradigms—to secure and optimize future grid control and coordination.

• Markus Dahlmanns
• René Glebke
• Mirko Stoffers