The next step in the evolution towards the digital substation
The energy sector is evolving rapidly in order to meet the requirements of a digital, decentralised and decarbonised future. A central component of this development is the virtualisation in substations, where traditional systems are transferred into software-defined environments.
In a virtual substation, protection, automation and control functions are executed entirely as software. Conventional intelligent electronic devices are replaced by virtualised software IEDs, which are operated on central servers. At the same time, the management of cybersecurity, network components such as switches as well as firewalls is carried out centrally and in a software-based manner.
The decoupling of software and hardware is achieved via virtual machines and hypervisors. This allows a single server to host multiple virtual machines with different functions. This reduces the requirement for physical hardware, simplifies maintenance processes and increases the resilience of the overall infrastructure.
Virtual substations make it possible to operate systems more flexibly and to adapt them more quickly to new requirements. This approach offers clear advantages, particularly in the context of decentralised energy generation and increasing grid complexity.
Virtualisation with zenon ENERGY
With the zenon Energy Edition from COPA-DATA, a software platform is available that has been specifically developed for the requirements of modern energy infrastructures. zenon supports the implementation of virtualised substations through comprehensive functions in the areas of automation, visualisation and control.
The platform enables seamless integration in accordance with IEC 61850 and supports central concepts such as redundancy, role-based access control as well as automated engineering. Due to its manufacturer-independent architecture, existing systems can be integrated and expanded flexibly.
Preconfigured templates and an object-oriented approach contribute to reducing engineering effort and ensuring the quality of implementation. At the same time, real-time visualisation and central data acquisition improve transparency and the basis for decision-making during operation.
Further information on the virtualisation of substations can be obtained directly from the manufacturer COPA-DATA.
Further news
Security: Are you familiar with Shai-Hulud?
At the end of 2025, two of the largest attacks on the npm ecosystem to date were discovered, known as Shai Hulud and Sha1 Hulud, The Second Coming. Their objective was to inject malicious code unnoticed into software projects, which would then have been executed during normal development or update processes.
Products of the zenon product family are not affected. Further information can be found in our FAQ.
Save the date: Automation Brunch 2026
On 1 September, we will once again present current topics in the field of energy supply and infrastructure at the Mövenpick Hotel in Egerkingen. Registration is already open, participation is free of charge.
Review: Automation Brunch 2024
An overview of the content and discussions from the last event in the Energy & Infrastructure sector.
