The transformation of the Swiss energy system must address many challenges, including three trends:

1. Decentralization, due to the integration of decentralized and fluctuating renewable sources like wind and solar energy, in contrast to the classical centralized and controllable sources like fossil fuels or hydro power.
2. Electrification, due to the accelerating development and deployment of electric cars, buses, and trucks as well as the increasing use of heat pumps for domestic hot water production and space heating.
3. Digitalization, due to the integration of smart meters, big data, artificial intelligence, and real-​time control, which allows energy consumption to be reduced and energy system operation to be optimized.

These trends allow classical consumers to turn into prosumers and pose particular challenges for distribution grids, in which distribution assets might be stressed and the patterns of the traditional flow of energy from the transmission network to the consumer may be changed. Hence there is a clear need for a research platform – the so-​called Renewable Management and Real-​time Control Platform (ReMaP) – in which the effects of these trends can be studied.

Accordingly, the overarching scientific objective of the ReMaP project is:

• To enable academic and industrial researchers to assess the interaction of energy conversion and storage technologies that are embedded in distribution grids with advanced real-​time measurement and control capabilities (i.e. “smart grids”).

In addition, the project has two non-​scientific objectives:

• To provide instructors with a unique tool to educate the next generation of scientists, engineers, and technicians that is needed to complete the transformation of the Swiss energy system.
• To demonstrate the practical use and benefits of energy conversion and storage technologies in smart grids to the relevant societal actors and stakeholders, especially regulatory authorities, as well as the general public.

The ReMaP project is a joint effort of ETH Zurich, the Paul Scherrer Institute (PSI), the Swiss Federal Laboratory for Materials Science and Technology (Empa), Smart Grid Solutions, Super Computing Systems, Adaptricity, and National Instruments. ReMaP, as a flagship project, will serve as a platform for researchers at ETH Zurich, other research institutions, and industry.

The project is supported by the Swiss Federal Office of Energy, the ETH Foundation, as well as in-​kind contributions from project partners.