Physical Security Enhancement in Core Network Components at the Greek Pilot Site

Physical Security Enhancement in Core Network Components at the Greek Pilot Site

On 24 July 2025, HEDNO successfully completed the installation of advanced sensors for the “Physical Security Enhancement in Core Network Components” use case at the Greek pilot site. This implementation focuses on Primary HV/MV and Secondary MV/LV Substations and aligns with the project plan and the end-of-July milestone.

Strengthening Substation Security

This use case aims to mitigate and prevent incidents such as vandalism and theft at MV/LV substations by installing sensors, including infrared (IR) radar devices. In the event of an attack or unauthorized physical intrusion, the sensors immediately send an alert signal to the Distribution System Operator (DSO), enabling a swift response and reducing downtime. This proactive approach helps minimize potential power losses and shorten service interruptions for affected customers.

How the System Works

The installed sensors feature two main monitoring functions:

  1. Voltage monitoring on the secondary winding of the transformer.
  2. Detection of human presence within the substation area.

If both conditions are met—no voltage and detected human presence—the system interprets it as a potential theft attempt and sends an immediate alert. Alerts are also triggered if only one condition is met (e.g., unauthorized presence detected by radar), ensuring comprehensive surveillance.

Advanced Monitoring Tools

In addition, partners have been provided with tablets running a dedicated application that allows real-time monitoring of the status of three transformers. The application also supports exporting event history in HTML format, offering better traceability and reporting. All devices have been tested and confirmed to be fully operational and successfully communicating with the application.

This milestone marks an important step in enhancing the physical security of critical energy infrastructure, contributing to improved resilience and reliability of the network.

Further information:

info@r2d2project.eu

This project has received funding from the  European Union’s Horizon Europe research and innovation programme under grant agreement No 101075714.


R²D² Workshop Recap: Strengthening Energy Infrastructure Against Extreme Events

R²D² Workshop Recap: Strengthening Energy Infrastructure Against Extreme Events

On 8 July 2025, the R²D² project held a successful online workshop titled “Strengthening Energy Infrastructure Against Extreme Events”, bringing together over 90 participants from across Europe. The event offered a deep dive into how innovative solutions developed within the R²D² project are being applied in real-life contexts to reinforce the resilience of critical energy systems.

The session featured insights and experiences from the project’s three pilot sites in Slovenia, Greece, and Portugal. These countries, each facing different climate-related risks, provided concrete examples of how tailored technological and strategic interventions can help mitigate the impact of extreme weather events on energy infrastructure.

Participants had the opportunity to hear directly from the teams implementing the R²D² solutions on the ground. The workshop highlighted how the tools and technologies being tested are not only technically robust but also adaptable to local needs and challenges.

The event also sparked engaging discussions, with participants raising key questions about replicability, scalability, and policy integration—topics that will remain central as the project moves forward.

📺 Missed the workshop? The full recording is now available, allowing anyone who couldn’t attend live to catch up on the content and discussions.

 

The presentations are available for download.

Presentation: Introduction and conclusionsPresentation: Greek pilot site by HEDNOPresentation: Portuguese pilot site by EDPPresentation: Slovenian pilot site by HEDNO
Further information:

info@r2d2project.eu

This project has received funding from the  European Union’s Horizon Europe research and innovation programme under grant agreement No 101075714.


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