Measurement and control architecture for renewable energies integration on Tunisian electrical grids. The SInERT project experience.

The increasing presence of distributed generation (DG) and storage systems (SS) from renewable energy sources (RES) and the transition from passive distribution networks to active and smart grids require a continuous and reliable monitoring and control of power systems, in order to guarantee their stability and efficiency and to cope with unpredictable variations of generation and load profiles. In this framework, the SInERT project (“Solution innovantes pour l’intégration des énergies renouvelables sur le réseau électrique tunisien,” ENI Program for Cross-border Cooperation Italy- Tunisia 2014-2020, https://www.projetsinert.com/it/) has been aimed at developing innovative solutions for RES integration on Tunisian electrical grid, based on an ad-hoc measurement and communication architecture, which entails the use of innovative devices and different technologyoriented solutions, for enabling the transition from passive to active electricity grids, with minimal structural changes. The SInERT project partnership involves three research partners (Higher School of Communication of Tunis - SUP’COM, project leader; Institute of Marine Engineering of the National Research Council and University of Palermo) and two industrial partners (ACTIA Engineering Services and Layer Electronics S.r.l.). The project includes the development of two demonstrators at Elgazala technopark (Ariana, Tunisia) and Ustica island (Sicily, Italy), for sharing knowledge and experience of system operation in real grid environment. To this aim, three strategic associated partners are also involved (STEG - Société Tunisienne de l'Electricité et du Gaz; SOPES Srl- Ustica desalination plant management company; D’Anna e Bonaccorsi Srl - Ustica electrical Distribution System Operator).