Arteche joins the FIRMAR project to integrate advanced algorithms into the electricity grid

Arteche joins the FIRMAR project, which began in 2025 with the aim of researching architectures and development environments that allow advanced algorithms for electricity grids to be incorporated in a cyber-secure manner into Resource Constrained Devices (RCDs).

Digitization of the electricity grid: Edge Computing in critical infrastructures

The digitization of the electricity sector is enabling progress towards a more decentralized and efficient energy system through the integration of automation, protection, and monitoring systems at different points in the electricity transmission, distribution, and generation network.

This is possible thanks to digital technologies, such as Artificial Intelligence, which are normally run on a massive scale in the cloud, where they have reached a significant level of development. However, it is possible to deploy these technologies locally on edge devices (which process data close to where it is generated, at the “edge” of the network), which are usually devices with limited processing power and memory (Resource Constrained Devices or RCDs).

Therefore, these devices must evolve to integrate these new technologies, which involve processing data in real time, executing advanced algorithms, and ensuring safe and efficient operation in critical applications.

FIRMAR: innovation in resource-constrained devices to improve power grid functionality

In this context, the FIRMAR project addresses the implementation of advanced algorithms in these local RCD devices, taking into account their architectures and performance in relation to the functional needs of power grids and the cybersecurity requirements needed to ensure their resilience. Among the specific objectives of FIRMAR are:

• to analyze the performance of RCDs that allow advanced algorithms to be embedded in the power grid;
• to investigate the computing and resolution capacity needs of RCD platforms, including reduced-capacity System-on-Chip (SoC) systems and architectures;
• protecting and providing cybersecurity solutions for RCDs, covering post-quantum security and Trusted Execution Environments (TEEs);
• defining and developing three specific use cases for application to electrical networks with RCD-based solutions.

As a result of the research carried out in the project, it is expected to obtain firmware architectures and complex algorithm execution environments for RCD devices with new functionalities required by electrical networks, as well as an analysis of the transfer of models deployed in the cloud to Edge-RCD devices.

It also aims to deploy advanced algorithms in RCD devices. To this end, modeling strategies (quantization, decomposition) applicable to different RCD families will be proposed, an orchestration methodology will be developed to implement green algorithms—seeking to balance computational efficiency with energy sustainability—and customized cybersecurity solutions will be proposed, including post-quantum security.

In addition, proposals will be made for SoC architectures with reduced capacity but quantum security, and the implementation of these SoC systems on CMOS (complementary metal oxide semiconductor) technology will be designed.

Finally, three use cases for application to electrical networks will be explored to demonstrate the viability of the research carried out in the project:

• GIAT – Arteche's Intelligent Management of High Voltage (HV) Transformers: monitoring of measuring transformers combining direct measurement and mathematical models and advanced algorithms.
• Tecnalia's Advanced Home Area Network Controller (HANC): providing flexibility in demand management and deferrable generation, using algorithmic models and predictive control.
• Ingeteam's hybrid platform for critical systems control with advanced analytics capabilities: use of RCD hardware to integrate critical real-time functionalities in Edge nodes in Substations/Transformation Centers.

An opportunity to create technological value through collaboration

The FIRMAR project is coordinated by Tecnalia and involves the participation of four other agents from the Basque Science, Technology, and Innovation Network: the R&D units of Arteche and Ingeteam, EHU, and BASQUENERGY Cluster.

Tecnalia researches and generates knowledge on performance and orchestration models in RCD environments, new cybersecurity techniques and the generation of predictive control strategies, as well as embedded green algorithms and specific features of electrical networks.

Arteche's R&D unit, Arteche Technology Center (ACT), researches new architectures and features for hardware platforms and microcontrollers that enable the implementation of advanced algorithms in RCD devices, maintaining security levels in line with functional and regulatory requirements, as well as improving the processing capabilities of systems from a global perspective, optimizing energy consumption, and ensuring cybersecurity.

Ingeteam Research Institute (IRI), Ingeteam's R&D unit, conducts research into solutions and architectures to optimize advanced real-time control systems and the generation of new technologies to optimize control, data acquisition, and monitoring systems for electrical networks and substations. Within these lines, AI and virtualization techniques will have the greatest weight in the project's activities.

The Department of Electronic Technology at EHU participates through the APERT (Applied Electronic Research Team) research group. Specifically, APERT focuses on improving the security and efficiency of cryptographic systems in a post-quantum environment. In the area of algorithms, it evaluates different techniques for embedded RCD systems, while in terms of hardware, it seeks ASIC and FPGA implementations for various sectors in order to guarantee cybersecurity. In addition, APERT contributes to the development of post-quantum security solutions in critical areas such as synchronization and hybrid networks.

BASQUENERGY Cluster, in its capacity as an intermediary between technological supply and demand, coordinates the communication and dissemination of the project's results, with the aim of promoting the transfer of the knowledge generated in the project to companies in the various value chains that develop and use this type of technology.

FIRMAR partners also have the support of an Advisory Committee made up of representatives from Aclara-Hubbell, Lumiker, Merytronic, SOC-E, and Zigor, as potential recipients of the knowledge and results generated in the project. Regular meetings facilitate the exchange of information, allowing the needs identified by the Advisory Committee to be incorporated into the project's activities and aligning the research carried out with market demands.

The FIRMAR project will last for two years and is subsidized by the Basque Government's Department of Industry, Energy Transition, and Sustainability through the ELKARTEK program.

Proyecto subvencionado por el Departamento de Industria, Transición Energética y Sostenibilidad del Gobierno Vasco (Programa ELKARTEK 2025)
Eusko Jaurlaritzaren Industria, Trantsizio Energetiko eta Jasangarritasun Saila (ELKARTEK 2025 Programa) finantziatutako proiektua
Project funded by the Department of Industry, Energy Transition and Sustainability of the Basque Government (ELKARTEK 2025 Programme)