Substation engineer using Private 5G, edge computing and automation to enable faster coordination and more autonomous grid operations
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Reinventing Substation Automation for the Digital Grid

Private 5G, Edge Computing, and advanced automation help substations evolve from isolated control assets into coordination points for a distributed, autonomous grid
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Substations were built to control the grid. Now they help coordinate it.
Not replacing proven automation. Extending it for the grid that comes next
WHY THIS “REINVENTING SUBSTATION AUTOMATION FOR THE DIGITAL GRID” CHALLENGE?

Digital substations, IEDs, IEC 61850, and SCADA modernization already improved reliability. Now renewables, storage, EVs, and distributed resources demand more data exchange, local intelligence, and coordination with dynamic grid assets

Key benefits
Substations Become Intelligent Operational Hubs
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Coordinate distributed energy with greater confidence

Substations can support interaction with renewables, battery systems, flexible demand resources and grid-edge intelligence

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Move decisions closer to the network

Edge Computing enables local decision-making and faster operational response where grid conditions are changing

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Connect automation with advanced grid platforms

Real time coordination with DERMS, ADMS and AI-assisted operational systems helps utilities manage complexity at scale

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Build resilience into distributed operations

Secure, reliable communications help substations support self-healing schemes and autonomous grid operations

How NTT DATA helps

01
Digital substation evolution strategy

Assessing how existing automation can evolve toward a distributed, intelligent operating model

Utility engineers assessing substation automation to support a more distributed, intelligent and coordinated operating model
02
Private 5G communication architecture

Communications complement fiber, private radio, and dedicated operational networks with added scale and flexibility

Substation engineer using Private 5G communications to extend fiber and private radio with greater flexibility, coverage and operational scale
03
Edge-enabled operational intelligence

Substations, edge platforms, and intelligent field devices connect so data can support faster local decisions

Substation engineer using edge-connected field systems to turn local operational data into faster, more intelligent decisions
04
Secure operational traffic segmentation

Network slicing and security patterns separate and protect mission-critical operational processes

Mining operations team monitoring a connected network ecosystem integrating fiber, Private 5G, satellite and edge computing
05
Integration with advanced grid automation

Substations connect with FLISR, Advanced Distribution Automation, and DERMS  never treated as isolated assets

Substation engineer using integrated grid automation to connect FLISR, Advanced Distribution Automation and DERMS across coordinated network operations
People, engineering and transmission tower with tablet for electricity teamwork or safety inspection, pylon or cables. Industrial, wires and power voltage or grid with lines, metal or infrastructure
Proven impact
Faster detection, shorter restoration

Substations become ready for autonomous grid operations, with resilience built into every response

Results that matter
Measurable Gains From Advanced Substation Automation
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Detect faults earlier across the network

20–50% reduction in fault detection time

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Accelerate switching operations when conditions change

30–70% reduction in switching operation time

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Restore service faster after disruption

20–40% reduction in restoration time

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Reduce manual intervention and improve reliability

15–30% fewer field interventions and 15–25% higher operational efficiency

Substations, Ready to Lead the Digital Grid

Shape the conversation that builds the intelligence layer for an autonomous grid →

Let's talk
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