Utilities are increasingly interested in integrating energy efficiency and demand response measures as a strategic approach that aims to achieve an increasingly reliable, dynamic, and integrated electric system. The concepts of energy efficiency (EE), demand response (DR), and system reliability (ESR) have been mainly studied from a different perspective, dealing only with the interaction between EE and DR and between EE and ESR. This paper aims to improve knowledge and demonstrate the validity of EE interventions (EEIs) through the use of a tool for evaluating the benefits of energy efficiency measures (EEMs) in the environmental sphere and in terms of DR and ESR. In order to evaluate this interaction, a quantitative method is proposed and validated on real results in an Italian case scenario, taking into account the analysis of smart meters data for residential users located in southern Italy in Calabria. Based on the collected data, an aggregation of users was evaluated with real hourly profiles covering the period from January 2020 to August 2020. These results show how efficient energy use may affect DR resource availability and power systems reliability. In conclusion, the authors justify that a more reliable electric system is ready for new types of EE financing systems based on pay-for-performance contracts.

No abstract

Digitization today is the main option to facilitate the transition of the entire energy supply chain, facilitating the development of intelligent and sustainable energy systems on buildings, in response to the requirements of the European legislation on the "Green Deal". The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate that digital tools and techniques such as the "Digital Twin" and "Digital Revamping" seem to be the ones that, more than others at present, favor the achievement of energy efficiency objectives with greater ease, through the use of predictive models and techniques, which make it possible to make predictions on the future state of corporate assets. The building becomes "smart" thanks to artificial intelligence and 5G. Through these techniques it is possible to hypothesize scenario analyses (what-if) and evaluate the impacts and effects of any critical issues. The first part discusses the state of the art. Subsequently, the Digital Twin and the Revamping Thimble are defined as tools that promote sustainability especially in applying them to buildings. This contribution focuses on the application of Digital Twin for a real project in progress. It describes the Italian project "Smart and Advanced Multitenants Building Automation" also known as "SAMBA", a sustainable model that uses digital technologies to create "Smart Buildings" at reduced costs and zero environmental impact, starting from existing buildings, thanks to sensors, 5G technology and artificial intelligence. Finally, the conclusions are presented.