- Endesa signs an agreement with the University of Granada to research the application of artificial intelligence and quantum computing in the field of distribution networks.
- The company maintains agreements with six Spanish universities to promote the transfer of knowledge between academia and business.
Endesa has signed an agreement with the University of Granada to create the Chair in Artificial Intelligence (AI), focused on its application in electrical distribution networks. This marks the latest addition to the Endesa Energy Innovation Chair project. With this new agreement, Endesa is now collaborating with six Spanish universities in Chairs that develop research projects in various areas. These range from birdlife protection to the challenges of flexible grid operation in an environment of high penetration of renewable energies with changing energy demand.
The new uses of electrical energy in cities – including the integration of electric vehicles, storage batteries, the gradual introduction of distributed generation, and the development of self-consumption – as well as the consequences of climate change, introduce significant complexity into the operation of distribution networks. This requires a paradigm shift in the traditional approach to the distribution network, moving from a network with unidirectional electrical flow to a multidirectional system.
The digitalisation of the distribution network and the application of AI and quantum computing technologies are key to addressing the challenges faced by cities, which will be explored through a pioneering approach in this new Chair.
Endesa’s Energy Innovation Chairs, which were established in 2005 with the signing of the agreement with the Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya (UPC), are aimed at training, research, and scientific outreach in the field of innovation within the electricity sector. Their goal is to achieve an efficient and sustainable energy model. This partnership with universities promotes the creation of new knowledge, drives advanced research, and enables the development of practical training opportunities for university students and industry professionals, fostering knowledge transfer between academia and business.
Endesa has signed agreements with the Universitat de les Illes Balears (UIB), the University of Seville, the Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya (UPC), the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, and the University of Zaragoza. The University of Granada now joins this initiative with a Chair that will explore the various applications of AI to tackle the challenges arising from the transformation of the energy model.
Over the past year, the Endesa Chairs have carried out research projects in areas such as grid operation with high photovoltaic penetration, the use of virtual reality in distribution systems, advanced grid monitoring applications, flexibility service models for the development of carbon-neutral systems, and initiatives related to birdlife protection.
In addition to research projects, the Endesa Chairs also include participation in Seminars and Courses, guest lectures, and Awards for the best Bachelor's Theses (TFG), Master's Theses (TFM), and PhD Dissertations on topics related to the Chair.
About Endesa
Endesa is the leading electric company in Spain and the second largest in Portugal. It is also ranked as the second largest gas operator in the Spanish market. Endesa operates an integrated business model spanning electricity generation, distribution, and retail. Furthermore, the company offers value-added services focused on the electrification of energy use for households, businesses, and public administrations. Endesa is committed to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and corporate social responsibility. In the latter area, it also works through the Endesa Foundation. Our team comprises around 9,000 employees. Endesa is part of Enel Group, the largest European utility by ordinary EBITDA [1].
[1] Enel’s leadership in the different categories is defined by comparison with competitors’ FY2024 data. Fully state-owned operators are not included.