1. Transition to 35-110(220) kV digital substations.

The goal is to create grid facilities with intelligent control and management system by installing state-of-the-art equipment and systems as well as to use IECInternational Electrotechnical Commission, international standards and conformity assessment body 61850 data transfer protocols. Effect from the deployment of the “Digital Substation” technology: increased level of automation and controllability, reduced exploitation costs due to extended repair intervals, usage of low-maintenance equipment, reduced time for restoration of normal network operation, reduced possibility of incidents and damages of equipment, usage of network fault location and remote switch control system.

The “Digital Substation” technology is planned to be deployed on the following pilot substations:

1) 110 kV Esaulka substation (Chelyabenergo branch).

The implementation of the project shall enable to ensure:

• a possibility to connect new consumers and increase net supply;
• an increase of supply reliability and voltage quality;
• upgrade of obsolete equipment;
• achievement of optimal load;
• an increase in observability and controllability of the facility, testing of IECInternational Electrotechnical Commission, international standards and conformity assessment body 61850-compliant solutions using microprocessor-controlled RPArelay protection automation devices and telematics, supporting “digital substation” technology.

2024 achievements: DSW in progress. 2024 expenses: RUBruble 0.4 million (target value) and RUBruble 0.0 million (real value). Deviation from the target value is due to prolonged approval of technical documentation concerning the phased implementation of the project. The execution is scheduled to take place in the volumes of future periods.

2) 110 kV Chekmash substation (Sverdlovenergo branch).

Innovative technologies implemented: i) intelligent electronic devices (digital relay protection and automation; ACSC), supporting IECInternational Electrotechnical Commission, international standards and conformity assessment body 61850-compliant digital data exchange; ii) analytical decision support system based on information from PMU and SCADAsupervisory control and data acquisition devices; iii) information security systems of facilities of crucial information infrastructure; iv) remote control of grid facilities through automated switch programs; v) intelligent accounting infrastructure (AMI).

2024 achievements: DSW, procurements, CAWconstruction and assembly works ended. 2024 expenses: RUBruble 87.6 million (target value), RUBruble 87.85 million (real value).

3. Transition to end-to-end performance of business processes and automation of control systems.

2024 achievements:

1) Development of the GISgeoinformation system Ural geoinformation system

Goals of the project: i) enhancement of management efficiency by creating an integrated geo-oriented cross-functional area for interaction among structural units with the straight reporting line to the Chief Operating Officer; ii) creation of a unified center for visualization of information on grid infrastructure (100% of grid facilities).

In 2024, the design work was carried out to expand the functional capabilities of the GISgeoinformation system Ural system, focusing on the needs of the technical unit and the technological connection unit in terms of grid planning tools and long-term development. Additionally, improvements were made to the existing system to enhance its performance and functionality.

2024 expenses totaled RUBruble 15.82 million (target value) and RUBruble 34.12 million (actual value), the odds are due to the implementation of additional system enhancements aimed at expanding the range of functionalities and usage scenarios.

2) Automation of sales and metering through the Omni-US automated information system.

Goals of the project: i) enhancement of transparency and controllability of business processes through unification of information and business processes,  maintenance a unified database of consumers and their delivery points, cost-cutting; ii) Compliance with requirements^[31] for providing access to a minimum set of functions of intelligent electric energy (power) metering systems.

2024 achievements: i) commissioning of the basic version; ii) Design, implementation of technical specification requirements, and commissioning of the «Mobile Services» Control and Monitoring System (CMS) based on Aurora OS; iii) Report Configuration (15 Templates); iv) integration with Krona automated system; v) Design and Development of Architectural Solutions and Information Security Subsystems; vi) Designing integration, coordinating enhancements and integration features with the digital meter reading service, and conducting commissioning and startup operations; vii) system support management.

2024 expenses totaled RUBruble 36.36 million (target value) and RUBruble 52.64 million (real value), the increase in real values impacted by types of works, slated for implementation in 2025.

3) Roll-out of the security system for crucial information infrastructure.

Goals of the projects: i) Ensuring the resilient operation of critical information infrastructure facilities amid cyberattacks; ii) Reducing risks from potential destructive impacts on the Company’s information resources; iii) compliance with the laws of Russia, stipulating procedures ensuring information security of crucial information infrastructure and volume of information protected by the law.

Key objects protected under the project are: i) technological and corporate information systems; ii) automated system of technologic management; iii) technological and corporate data transmission networks.

2024 expenses totaled RUBruble 203.89 million.

5. Evolvement of the system on development and implementation of innovative products and technologies, R&Dresearch and development activities.

There were 3 R&Dresearch and development works in progress in 2024:

1) Research Project “Development of a model for adaptive regulation of voltage in distribution networks to enhance net supply and reduce losses, taking into account static load characteristics” (performed by FGAOU VO UrFU named after B.N. Eltsyn).

2024 achievements:

• Execution: RUBruble 1.0 million (target value) and RUBruble 1.0 million, no VATvalue-added tax (real value);
• Funding: RUBruble 6.0 million (target value) and RUBruble 6.0 million, no VATvalue-added tax (real value).

2024 outcomes of the R&Dresearch and development work: 1. A new approach has been developed to optimize the operating mode of the distribution network, taking into account advanced voltage regulation tools.  2. The typical static load characteristics by voltage have been defined based on the typification results of consumer groups and the execution of field experiments on voltage regulation prior to consumers’ facilities. 3. A multi-criteria optimization model for the operation mode of the grids has been developed with the aim of increasing the net electricity supply, reducing load and power flows in specific sections, and minimizing transmission losses in the distribution network, taking into account the static characteristics of the load. 4. A technical specification has been prepared for the advanced development of the software support system for adaptive voltage regulation in the distribution network. Additionally, methodological guidelines have been developed to optimize the operational mode of the grids with the goals of increasing the net electricity supply, reducing load and power flows in specific sections, and minimizing transmission losses in the distribution network. These guidelines take into account the static load characteristics and are formalized as an organizational standard, prepared for approval in line with established procedures.

2) Research project “Creation of a one-way system for locating a point of impact through analysis of time-symmetric functions using domestic components to be mounted on a 6-10 kV cable/aerial power line. Examination of impact of cable/aerial power line parameters when shaping its digital model on fault location” (performed by ANO VO Innopolis University).

2024 achievements:

• Execution: RUBruble 21.23 million (target value) and RUBruble 21.23 million, no VATvalue-added tax (real value);
• Funding: RUBruble 27.96 million (target value) and RUBruble 27.96 million, no VATvalue-added tax (real value).

Stage 2 achievements:

1. An experimental prototype of the fault location hardware and software package deployed at the site;
2. Project documentation, work execution plan, testing program and methodology;
3. A scientific technical report that includes results from field inspections and on-site testing, a description of the digital power line model, and analysis outcomes regarding: the impact of mathematical modeling methods of the digital power line model on the accuracy of fault location; the necessity of using an impulse generator for editing the digital power line model; and the conditions for the effective application of the fault location hardware and software package to identify fault locations on 6(10) kV power lines;
4. Version of the program for interaction between the fault location hardware and software package and SCADAsupervisory control and data acquisition.

3) Research Project “Research and development of the system for monitoring 6-35 kV cable power lines with the use of Made-in-Russia NBPLC modems”. (Performed by OOOLimited Liability Company NPTs Prioritet).

2024 achievements:

• Execution: RUBruble 22.26 million (target value) and RUBruble 36.49 million or RUBruble 43.79 incl. VATvalue-added tax (real value);
• Funding: RUBruble 0.00 million (target value) and RUBruble 0.00 million.

Stage 1 and 2 achievements: report on the analysis of the impact of power cable insulation characteristics and partial discharges (PDproduction department) occurring within it on modem interaction signal parameters; report on the study of various methods for analyzing cable line insulation features and techniques for identifying partial discharges; report on the development of a mathematical model describing the transformation of the PDproduction department impulse shape as it propagates along the power cable; report on the investigation of the feasibility of PDproduction department localization based on impulse shape analysis during propagation through cable lines and comparison with model data; report on thematic patent search; report on the development of cable insulation condition monitoring algorithms and software implementing these algorithms; program code; program description; design documentation for a prototype cable insulation condition monitoring system; design documentation for a test bench for laboratory testing of the prototype monitoring system; laboratory testing program and methodology for the prototype.

Target and actual expenses in 2024, RUBruble million, no VATvalue-added tax

Innovations and R&Dresearch and development expenses, RUBruble million