Representative End User Clients
Representative Automation Clients
Representative Software Clients
Electric distribution system operators (DSOs) continue to face increasing challenges of grid congestion and capacity constraints. At the same time, electrification is seen as the most feasible way to achieve net zero energy systems, but it is held back by inadequate grid infrastructure. Leading automation supplier Siemens launched its latest Gridscale X offering, Gridscale X Flexibility Manager, empowering DSOs to maximize the use of existing grid capacity and accelerate grid connections for distributed energy resources (DERs) and data centers in a flexible way.
About Gridscale X Flexibility Manager
Gridscale X is a software platform that paves the way for autonomous grid management. It is part of Siemens Xcelerator, an open digital business platform that enables customers to accelerate their digital transformation easier, faster, and at scale. Gridscale X Flexibility Manager empowers operators to forecast potential grid congestion and proactively manage flexible resources. It complements traditional grid reinforcement efforts by unlocking existing network capacity and enhancing operational stability.
The software integrates with DSO systems to continuously monitor grid conditions and forecast potential overloads. When constraints are predicted, it identifies available flexibility options from distributed resources such as electric vehicles, heat pumps, batteries, and distributed generation, and supports operators in selecting and activating the most effective measures via connected market or operator platforms to balance the grid.
Flexible Management Case Study: Kärnten Netz (KNG)
With the rapid growth of distributed generation, the Austrian utility KNG is currently preparing to operate an increasingly complex and dynamic grid. By 2030, photovoltaic installed capacity in Carinthia (an Austrian state with 9,500 km² and a population of 570,000 inhabitants) is expected to nearly double (+1.1 GW), creating new challenges of congestion and voltage stability, particularly in rural valley areas with long distribution lines prone to voltage violations. At the same time, Austrian regulation is moving toward a market-based flexibility framework, requiring DSOs like KNG to explore new operational and digital capabilities.
Anticipating this, KNG joined forces with Siemens to co-innovate a solution, culminating in the launch of Flexibility Manager. Gridscale X Flexibility Manager was developed in close collaboration with other DSOs, including Dutch system operator Alliander and Norwegian DSO Elvia.
Find out more about the market outlook for grid automation.