Interview to Mónica Puente Ferreras

Interview to Mónica Puente Ferreras

What is UFD vision on the energy transition?

Energy Transition involves a profound transformation of most of economy sectors driven by technological development and regulation requirements. It represents a significant opportunity for the energy sector with huge investments levels that require an incentive and stable regulatory framework.
International collaboration is essential, with action plans from the European Union, such as the Paris Agreement, the European Green Deal, and the REPowerEU plan, all of which set ambitious decarbonization targets.

We believe that grids are the backbone in the energy sector that allows all the agents connect and interact with making possible the energy transition.

In Spain, the National Integrated Energy and Climate Plan (PNIEC) 2023-2030 aims to achieve 48% renewable energy in final consumption and 35% electrification of the economy. At UFD, we believe that digitalization, innovation, and investment in electrical networks are key to integrating renewable generation and optimizing the connection of all network agents, ensuring both continuity and supply quality.
The challenges include fostering innovation and technological development, ensuring the supply of goods and services, and attracting and retaining talent, while also managing security, operational risks, cybersecurity, and environmental protection.
Collaboration within OPG allows us to share experiences and accelerate the adoption of advanced technological solutions, optimizing the efficiency and sustainability of electrical networks. We believe this cooperative approach is crucial for building a more robust, digital, and sustainable electrical network.

What is the impact on distribution networks of integrating renewable energy sources?

The large-scale integration of renewable generation and electric vehicles results in constant fluctuations in energy supply. Real-time monitoring systems and automatic adaptation are essential to ensure a reliable and high-quality supply. Networks must be intelligent, flexible, and resilient, incorporating smart meters, drones, and artificial intelligence algorithms for the inspection and maintenance of overhead lines, as well as the sensing and monitoring of high-voltage assets.
Promoting the integration of renewable energy into smart grids, leveraging storage technologies, and managing demand is crucial. OPG specifically supports the development
of business models that foster energy effciency and encourage active consumer participation, collaborating with associations in the energy, environmental, and industrial sectors to drive a sustainable energy transition.
At UFD, we continue to enhance the digitalization of the Low Voltage network, which plays a central role in the energy transition. Innovation and technological development are key
in the use of new equipment, such as energy storage devices and phase balancers using power electronics.
There is also a high impact in the way we interact with network users and the role of DSOs. To address this challenge, we developed aDigital Services Platform that enables agile and real time management of all aspects related to electricity supply, from new connections to consumption optimization. We will deploy more technology and communication equipment through our network to send signals in real time and interact with network agents to guarantee supply while maximizing renewable energy connected into the grid. This enhanced interaction is essential for maximizing the integration of distributed energy resources and promoting more efficient and responsible consumption.