Press Release
COPA-DATA to showcase Software-Defined Grid Automation at CIGRE Paris Session 2026
Visitors to booth # 125, Level 1, will experience how vendor-independent software helps utilities modernize substations, strengthen cybersecurity, and accelerate the transition toward software-defined power systems, thus addressing recent challenges.
As utilities around the world accelerate investments in grid modernization, renewable integration, and digital infrastructure, software is becoming a critical enabler of the energy transition. At CIGRE Paris Session 2026 from August 23–28, COPA-DATA will demonstrate how its zenon software platform enables transmission and distribution operators to modernize substations and grid operations with greater flexibility, interoperability, and long-term independence.
The global power sector is undergoing one of its most significant transformations in history. Aging infrastructure, rapidly increasing electricity demand, large-scale renewable integration, stricter cybersecurity regulations, and growing talent shortages are forcing utilities to change how they design, operate, and maintain their grids.
The answer lies increasingly in software-defined automation. By separating automation software from proprietary hardware, utilities can modernize existing substations step by step, standardize engineering across mixed-vendor environments, and prepare their infrastructure for future operational requirements.
"The real bottleneck of the energy transition is no longer renewable generation – it's the grid. Utilities that combine grid expansion with intelligent, software-driven operations will be the ones that build resilient, secure and future-ready energy systems,” says Stefan Hufnagl, Specialist Industry Management Energy, COPA-DATA Headquarters.
CIGRE brings together the world’s leading experts shaping the future of power systems.
“At this year’s CIGRE, we want to demonstrate that grid modernization is about more than just replacing aging hardware or adding new capacities to the more and more decentralized grid. It is about creating an open, software-defined foundation that allows utilities to evolve at their own pace while protecting existing investments,” says Jürgen Resch, Director Industry Management Energy, COPA-DATA Headquarters.
Experience the software behind modern substations
At the COPA-DATA exhibition booth, visitors can experience how the zenon software platform supports every stage of substation modernization – from legacy environments to fully digital and virtualized infrastructures.
Live demonstrations will include:
- Substation Automation with vendor-independent HMI, SCADA and Gateway functionality for IEC 61850-based digital substations
- Top-down engineering using the new IEC 61850 Configurator in zenon 16
- Software-defined and virtualized architectures, including approaches for virtual Protection, Automation and Control (vPAC), virtual HMIs and virtual RTUs
- Grid operation and control through integrated Distribution Management System (DMS) capabilities for multi-site substation and renewable asset management
- Cybersecurity-ready automation, supporting utilities in meeting evolving regulatory requirements including NIS2, CRA, IEC 62443, IEC 62351 and NERC CIP
- IIoT services and operational intelligence, including MQTT connectivity, device management, dashboards and fleet-wide reporting
Supporting modernization without vendor lock-in
Many utilities today operate substations built over decades using equipment from multiple vendors and technology generations. This diversity often makes modernization projects complex, costly, and difficult to standardize.
COPA-DATA’s approach focuses on software enabled operations rather than prolonging proprietary hardware lifecycles. As a vendor-independent platform, zenon enables utilities to integrate legacy assets alongside modern IEC 61850 systems, standardize engineering workflows, introduce virtualization where appropriate, and maintain the flexibility to choose the hardware that best fits their operational needs.
The platform supports deployment across Windows, Linux, virtualized infrastructures, and containerized environments, providing utilities with the flexibility to adapt their automation architecture as operational and technological requirements evolve.
Discuss your challenges with experts at CIGRE 2026
Throughout the exhibition, COPA-DATA’s energy automation specialists will be available to discuss practical approaches to:
- Modernizing existing substation fleets
- Implementing IEC 61850-based Digital Substations
- Introducing software-defined automation and virtualization
- Standardizing engineering across heterogeneous infrastructures
- Strengthening OT cybersecurity
- Leveraging operational data through IIoT services
Visitors will also have the opportunity to experience interactive demonstrations, explore the latest capabilities introduced in zenon 16, and discuss real-world modernization strategies tailored to transmission and distribution utilities.
Visit COPA-DATA at booth # 125, Level 1, during CIGRE Paris Session 2026, August 23–28, Palais des Congrès, Paris.
For journalists
If you are interested to meet our experts, Jürgen Resch, Director Industry Management Energy or Stefan Hufnagl, Specialist Industry Management Energy, at CIGRE in Paris for further information and discussion, please get in touch with copadata@maisberger.com before the event start and we will arrange an interview for you.
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Jürgen Resch
Get file nowPortrait_JuergenResch_COPA-DATA.jpgDirector Industry Management Energy at COPA-DATA Headquarters
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Stefan Hufnagl
Get file nowPortrait_StefanHufnagl_COPA-DATA.jpgIndustry Specialist Energy at COPA-DATA Headquarters in Salzburg.
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About COPA-DATA
COPA-DATA is an independent software manufacturer that specializes in digitalization for the manufacturing industry and energy sector. Its zenon® software platform enables users worldwide to automate, manage, monitor, integrate and optimize machines, equipment, buildings and power grids. COPA-DATA combines decades of experience in automation with the potential of digital transformation and a strong drive for sustainability-enabling solutions. In this way, the company supports its customers to achieve their objectives more easily, faster and more efficiently.
The family-owned business was founded by Thomas Punzenberger in 1987 in Salzburg, Austria. A sales network of international distributors and 14 subsidiaries ensures that the software is marketed worldwide. More than 500 certified partner companies further support end users with the efficient implementation of the software, particularly in the key industries of food & beverage, energy & infrastructure, automotive and pharmaceutical.
