It feels like just yesterday, in the autumn of 2022, when the <r²d² project<=”” strong=””>—with its robot-inspired name—was launched under the Horizon Europe programme. Seventeen partners from across Europe came together with a shared vision: to strengthen the resilience and protection of critical energy infrastructures against evolving cyber and physical threats.

Now, 36 months later, the project officially reaches its conclusion. But what remains is far more than the memory of collaboration—it is a portfolio of tangible results, lessons learned, and a community ready to take the next steps.

Throughout these three years, R²D² has advanced innovative solutions that combine artificial intelligence, robotics, and cybersecurity to support the energy sector. From developing new tools to protect and maintain smart grids, to validating their effectiveness in real-world scenarios, the project has demonstrated how cutting-edge research can translate into practical, impactful outcomes. These efforts have shown that Europe has the capacity not only to imagine the future of secure energy infrastructures, but also to build it.

The importance of these results lies in their contribution to Europe’s green and digital transition. Without secure and resilient infrastructures, neither sustainability nor competitiveness can be achieved. By strengthening Europe’s autonomy in cybersecurity and energy management, R²D² has helped make infrastructures safer, smarter, and better prepared to face emerging challenges.

Although the project formally closes at the end of September 2025, this is not the end of the story. The consortium partners remain committed to carrying forward the knowledge, tools, and experiences developed, while exploring new opportunities for collaboration and impact. For the wider community, communication channels will remain open, ensuring that R²D²’s legacy continues to grow through upcoming publications, events, and knowledge sharing.

If you want to know more about what we achieved, how our solutions will impact the sector, and what comes next, we invite you to read our final newsletter here.