VTT, Finland’s largest research and technology company and research centre conducting applied research, is opening a new ‘FutureGrid’ research infrastructure in Otaniemi, Espoo. The investment is to provide Finnish and international players with a safe environment to develop and test next-generation power grid technologies before deployment in real-world electricity networks. Cost‑efficient renewable power generation and the accelerating electrification of society are placing new requirements on future power grids. At the same time, the management of overall security is becoming increasingly important.
The green transition and electrification are driving rapid renewal and expansion of electricity infrastructure. As clean electricity replaces fossil fuels, Finland’s electricity consumption is projected to more than triple by 2040, and it is important to develop Finland’s resilience, especially in scenarios where the electricity grid is exposed to threats, or where power generation capacity is suddenly lost.
“The need to enhance the resilience and security of the electricity grids is greater than ever. In an era of global tensions, there is a clear need to strengthen Finland’s preparedness for exceptional situations. Intermittency in renewable energy, energy storage solutions and new types of loads, driven by industrial electrification, electric mobility and the growing electricity demand from artificial intelligence, introduce new dynamics and place increasing technical demands on the grid. The energy transition requires an active, balanced and flexible electricity grid,” says Antti Arasto, VP of VTT.
“Previously, the electricity grid was structurally simpler, but today, is far more complex, and its dynamics create challenging situations that cannot be safely studied in real-life environments. We need an environment where new solutions can be tested and validated without putting the actual electricity grid and its customers at risk. VTT FutureGrid has been built precisely for this purpose,” says KariMäki, research professor at VTT.
New players and services are entering the electricity market, creating new requirements for interoperability and security testing. VTT FutureGrid provides a platform where companies can validate their products and services before deployment. The environment supports both early-stage startups and established companies, strengthening Otaniemi’s role as an international hub for energy innovation. Ut combines physical microgrid infrastructure with a real-time simulator through a digital twin, enabling the creation of extensive virtual test scenarios.
