Digital Twin Helps Italian Port Optimize Power Flow

AcegasApsAmga, a leading Italian distribution system operator, is partnering with Siemens Smart Infrastructure to implement a digital twin of Trieste’s medium- and low-voltage power grid.

This cutting-edge project uses Gridscale X, Siemens' latest grid management software, to support decarbonization, optimize grid operations, and ensure resilient energy delivery in one of Europe’s busiest ports.

Gridscale X enables grid visibility. Image used courtesy of Siemens

Powering a Cleaner Future With Digital Twins

Siemens’ Gridscale X software platform is a modular solution designed to facilitate autonomous grid management. Built on the Siemens Xcelerator platform, Gridscale X combines real-time grid simulation, advanced analytics, and data integration to offer full visibility into dynamic grid conditions.

For AcegasApsAmga, a key distribution systems operator under the Hera Group, this means gaining a live, digital replica of Trieste’s grid that can forecast congestion, optimize energy flows, and proactively mitigate potential issues before they arise.

As the grid becomes more complex, digitization allows grids to optimize performance and resilience, according to Sabine Erlinghagen, Siemens Grid Software CEO.

Meeting the Port’s Growing Demands

The Port of Trieste is a significant driver behind this digital transformation. The port handles over 70 million tons of cargo annually, so its electrification effort is central to Italy’s climate strategy.

Ships docked at the port require up to 10 MW of power, which is comparable to a small town’s consumption. The grid must handle high and variable loads efficiently. Gridscale X enables predictive modeling and real-time management to ensure stable energy delivery while avoiding disruptions to port operations.

Carlo Andriolo, CEO of AcegasApsAmga, stated that the project will allow grid operators to gain critical visibility over the grid. The system can proactively identify congestion points and calculate the amount of energy required to resolve the issues.

Siemens’ digital twin technology can simulate, monitor, and manage energy flows in real time. Image used courtesy of Siemens

The digital twin project is not just about managing high-demand zones. It supports broader goals such as:

• Integrating distributed energy resources like wind and solar power
• Shifting from reactive to predictive maintenance
• Reducing emissions through grid optimization
• Deferring costly infrastructure investments through better peak load management

By modeling the grid virtually, AcegasApsAmga gains a dynamic, up-to-date replica of the physical infrastructure. The digital twin allows them to test scenarios and optimize energy flow for current and future needs.

A Century-Long Partnership

The Siemens and AcegasApsAmga’s relationship spans more than 100 years, evolving from SCADA system deployments to ADMS enhancements. Adopting Gridscale X marks the next phase in this ongoing collaboration, as both organizations invest in the digitization of energy systems.

The project also aligns with the European Union’s energy transition goals and is partially funded by Italy’s National Recovery and Resilience Plan, with full implementation expected by June 2026.

As cities across Europe seek to modernize aging infrastructure and reduce carbon footprints, Trieste’s digital twin may serve as a model for how legacy grids can be reimagined through intelligent software and data-driven strategies.