Controlled autonomy

What “autonomy” means here

Autonomy is defined as the ability to keep an electricity service operational, within a defined scope and constraints. It depends on system dimensioning, protection mechanisms, operating modes, and continuous arbitration by the SnP-Manager (energy orchestration system).

Reference points: continuity • power quality • priorities • protections • degraded modes • traceability

How controlled autonomy is achieved (system-level)

In real conditions, resources vary and constraints occur. Autonomy is achieved by orchestrating the system in real time: sources, storage, conversions, protections and usage priorities.

Levels of autonomy (practical view)

Autonomy is not a binary property. It is described through levels, each one associated with explicit operating conditions.

• Level 1 — Assisted autonomy: the system remains stable and continuous while connected, and can handle short events.
• Level 2 — Hybrid autonomy: the system can operate with limited dependency and manages longer variations through orchestration.
• Level 3 — High autonomy: the system maintains continuity under extended constraints, with defined priorities and degraded modes.

Reference points: explicit scope • operating conditions • priorities • degraded modes • commitments

What it requires

• Degraded scenarios addressed from the design stage (resource variability, constraints, events).
• Explicit usage priorities (what must remain powered, what can be reduced, under which conditions).
• Continuity through control and safety margins (architecture-level robustness).
• Operability: monitoring, readable decisions, maintainability, and long-term stability.
• Lifecycle coherence: systems designed to be maintainable, repairable and reconditionable over time.

Degraded scenarios and operating modes

Autonomy must be evaluated against real scenarios, not ideal conditions. The system must remain operational within defined degraded modes: what is maintained, what is reduced, and what is protected.

• resource drops (wind/solar variability)
• load changes and operating peaks
• constraints on storage and conversions
• transition events (on-grid / off-grid / hybrid)
• protection events and safe states

Reference points: scenarios • degraded modes • protections • safe states • operational continuity

Public / Evidence boundary

This page provides the conceptual framework. Evidence, analyses and auditable documents are available in the private area, according to roles and authorisations.