PowDev is a France 2030 PEPR project aiming at the evaluation and optimization of electrical systems resilience amidst the massive integration of renewable energy sources (RES). This will involve developing a comprehensive set of decision-support tools that consider the effects of extreme weather events, the intrinsic complexity of the power grid, and different socio-economic scenarios. A key aspect of this project is to simulate and analyze blackout scenarios under the influence of RES and climate change projections. The objective is to better understand how complex chains of events unfold, and how different RES configurations can either mitigate or exacerbate the risk of blackouts.

Another crucial part of the project is to establish a quantitative framework for optimizing resilience, which remains a loosely defined concept in the power systems field. By studying different phases of resilience—ranging from preparation to recovery—the project aims to propose remedial solutions both for system operation and design. This will include strategies for grid architecture, redundancy, backup supplies, and the use of flexible resources like energy storage. Ultimately, the project will provide tools and methodologies to support decision-making processes, enabling power systems to adapt and recover quickly from disruptions, ensuring reliability and stability despite the growing integration of renewable energy sources.