The NEXTSTEP project aims to develop an innovative solution for Secondary Substation.

Efacec, the consortium coordinator, together with project partners - Eneida, University of Coimbra, INESC TEC and ITeCons - combine the required scientific and industrial expertise on the technologies linked to the proposed solution, i.e., distribution automation, including self-healing functions; advanced management; protection, automation and control; power electronics and energy storage; advanced measurement and monitoring; energy efficiency; ecodesign; IoT and ICTs.

The NEXTSTEP initiative also comprises a demonstrator at the Portuguese distribution network, operated by E-REDES (former EDP Distribuição), the outsourced entity.