Powering grid resilience amid rising demand and system complexity

Utilities are facing a new era of complexity with the push to decarbonise and meet regulatory targets placing unprecedented pressure on power systems. This coupled with renewables expected to account for roughly 45% of total energy generation by 2045. 

Speaking with Eloy Gonzalez Ortega, Smart Energy Senior Manager at Indra Software Labs, he notes that "the grid becomes much more complex than before” with higher renewable penetration, while electrification across industry and transport is driving additional demand.

Adding to this is the rapid rise of AI, which Ortega identifies as a major driver of electricity consumption: “AI is really driving, at this point, the increase in demand.” 

These trends are transforming the grid into a dynamic system where resilience depends not just on infrastructure, but on intelligent digital tools.

Lack of system inertia

The challenges utilities face are not new, but they are intensifying. The transition to renewable energy has reduced system inertia, making the grid more vulnerable to disturbances. 

He explains that the Iberian blackout was triggered by “a lack of system inertia, mainly due to the fact that we had a very high penetration of renewables at the time," coupled with major disturbances on the grid. 

While these technical issues are critical, the speed of recovery highlights the role of advanced solutions. 

Ortega notes that “one of the key aspects there has been the technological use of certain tools that in this case, the TSOs…are using.”

Central to this recovery was the deployment of digital solutions, specifically digital twins.

Critical role of Digital Twins

Digital Twins and advanced SCADA/ADMS platforms enabled operators to model, monitor, and control the grid in real time. He points to digital twins as a specific example of technology that enhances situational awareness and supports rapid decision-making during crises.

The Iberian blackout offers more than just lessons in crisis response; it underscores a broader shift in how grids must operate. Utilities can no longer rely solely on traditional infrastructure. 

According to Ortega, the integration of digital tools with operational strategies is key: “The idea is that the platform allows us to contract those services, follow up on those services, and be able to use those services at some point,” while SCADA/ADMS features support real-time control.

Watch the full interview to learn more on this topic. 

**This interview was filmed in November 2025 at Enlit Europe in Bilbao, Spain.