A consortium—comprising the Galician companies Itelsis Group and Enerxe, along with the Andalusian firm Ingelectus—is developing the research project “Optimization Technology for Efficient and Secure Rural Distribution Networks” (TORRES). This initiative aims to drive the advanced digitalization of electrical grids in rural areas, helping to improve the quality, security, and efficiency of the power supply.
By leveraging solutions based on advanced electrical algorithms, artificial intelligence, digital twins, and communications monitoring, the TORRES project seeks to achieve several goals: detecting and locating power supply faults, managing voltage levels, actively operating the grid, and identifying anomalous electrical behavior. Among other benefits, this approach aims to resolve issues such as the insufficient capacity often found in electrical grids within isolated, rural parts of the country.
To date, electrical distribution networks operating in rural environments have faced challenges stemming from geographical dispersion—including issues with supply quality and continuity, non-technical losses, delays in resolving incidents, and a lack of modern technology. TORRES will facilitate a transition toward smarter distribution networks capable of anticipating incidents, supporting operator decision-making, and better addressing the challenges posed by the energy transition, distributed generation, and the growing need for the digitalization of the electrical system.
Furthermore, the project helps democratize the electrical grid by bringing technological capabilities—previously accessible only to large-scale utility providers—to rural networks. To this end, the project utilizes real-world use cases and a representative network, ensuring that the solutions developed are practical, scalable, and useful for the daily operations of small and medium-sized utility providers. This optimizes grid usage, maximizes the value of existing infrastructure, and enables secure, reliable access for new industries in rural areas.
The consortium brings together complementary capabilities. INGELECTUS contributes its expertise in electrical algorithms, grid operation tools, digital twins, and advanced solutions for smart grids. ITELSIS brings its specialization in SCADA systems, critical communications, operational supervision, and the integration of IT/OT technologies. ENERXE, through the distributor UDESA, provides knowledge regarding the actual operation of rural grids, as well as data and a field-validation environment. Furthermore, research organizations—such as the FIUS Foundation, the AICIA research group at the University of Seville, and the University of Santiago de Compostela—strengthen the project with scientific capabilities in electrical systems, sensing, artificial intelligence, data engineering, and smart infrastructure. The project also includes a technical office managed by INCOTEC.
Launched in July 2025, the project is already underway, with applicable results expected by July 2027. It has received funding from the CDTI (Centre for the Development of Industrial Technology) via the 2021–2027 ERDF (European Regional Development Fund) through the “Consorcios Regionales Innterconecta STEP” grant program (2025 call). The project is supported by the Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities and is co-financed by the European Union.
Disclaimer: Any communication or publication relating to the project reflects solely the opinion of its authors, and neither the CDTI nor the European Commission is responsible for any use that may be made of the information it contains.
