On November 16, the second phase of 3DEN (Digital Demand-Driven Electricity Networks Initiative) was presented at the Italy Pavilion of COP in Baku. The initiative aims to spread digital and “smart” systems, ranging from the implementation of digital twins to the application of artificial intelligence in the energy system, through the adoption of regulatory guidelines, new business models, and the implementation of innovative technologies in emerging economies and developing countries.

The 3DEN initiative, coordinated and funded by the Ministry of Environment and Energy Security, has a budget of 19 million euros, with 8 million euros allocated by the Italian government to the International Energy Agency (IEA) and an additional 11 million allocated to UNEP for managing and implementing pilot projects.

Specifically, the Ministry of Environment and Energy Security has supported the implementation of pilot projects in Brazil, Colombia, India, and Morocco, aimed at implementing digital technologies to create more efficient and resilient energy systems in both urban and industrial settings. The next pilot projects will be carried out in Africa, in line with the objectives and guiding principles of the Mattei Plan.

The presentation event was opened by Alessandro Guerri, General Director of European, International, and Sustainable Finance Affairs at the Ministry of Environment and Energy Security; Dan Dorner, Director of Strategic Initiatives at the IEA; and Ruth Do Coutto, Deputy Director of the Climate Change Division at UNEP. Representatives from Politecnico di Milano, RSE, Enel, and Planet Idea were also present.

“RSE has believed in the importance and practical implications of the 3DEN initiative from the beginning, and we are honored to have contributed to the success of the first phase and are excited to be an active part of phase two,” said Luciano Martini, Director of the Transmission and Distribution Technologies Department at RSE.

“Digitalization,” said Mario Motta, Energy Transition Delegate at Politecnico di Milano, “is essential in the decarbonization process because it enables the integration, monitoring, and optimization of data.” “There is still a huge amount of work to be done,” Motta added, “and 3DEN can provide important support for the development of enabling regulations, technical infrastructures, and skills in the field of energy efficiency digitalization.”

“Italy,” concluded DG of MASE Alessandro Guerri, commenting on data from IEA studies, “boasts strong technological leadership in digitalization, and the commitment and efforts we are putting into the 3DEN initiative are proof of this. To promote decarbonization in a realistic and pragmatic way, Italy is fostering a more integrated multi-stakeholder approach between governments, international organizations, the private sector, and research institutions. This approach ensures reciprocity and aligns with the strategic vision of our Prime Minister.”