For years, the global energy industry has implemented a series of innovations and changes that include increasing technological and security demands on the IT solutions in play. Meeting all the new requirements successfully, keeping up with the dynamic pace of changes, and, above all, ensuring the reliability of transmission and distribution systems – these all represent a real challenge. Major European players on the energy market have chosen to rely on the proven reliability of Unicorn’s comprehensive Damas MMS solution, which has proved so successful that even countries in the Gulf region have expressed their interest.

Principally, transmission system operators (TSO) need to be constantly prepared to regulate and compensate for fluctuations in generation and consumption. There is a growing need to monitor the real-time evolution of many parameters and to be able to react quickly and effectively to unexpected situations. Modern power systems must be able to provide detailed and up-to-date technical data, thereby enabling the creation of a digital twin of the transmission system. This is now compounded by new security threats as well as increasingly stringent cybersecurity legislation.

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25 Years of Development and Flexible Innovation

The Czech company Unicorn, which has developed energy solutions for well over two decades, has decided to face the challenges arising from decarbonisation and the transition to sustainable energy sources. Its experts’ seniority and experience are reflected not only in the outstanding functional qualities of its standard products but also in the use of cutting-edge technologies. Damas MMS (Market Management System) has acted as Unicorn’s flagship amongst comprehensive market management systems since 2000.

Thanks to its flexibility, Damas MMS is ready for changes and expansions, including adaptations into new types of markets and products, or new processes to ensure supply security. Indeed, the client base for this product is extensive and covers almost all of Europe, and most recently, the Gulf region as well. This is mainly thanks to the system being highly configurable, while also offering a number of standard business modules. These provide a comprehensive coverage of situations and processes related to the organisation and participation in energy markets.

“With a range of ready-to-use functional modules, the Damas MMS solution has evolved into a comprehensive ecosystem of interconnected applications serving a wide range of purposes. Their interoperability ensures flexibility and extensibility for future challenges in contracts around the world,” says Jan Konrád, Sales Director at Unicorn Systems.

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Prospective Technologies

A new comprehensive technology upgrade is now available under the Damas MMS Generation III designation. The Damas MMS platform delivers a superior user experience through the FlexiGUI interface and adheres to the highest security standards. Its reliability, exceptional performance, and cloud scalability are built on the technical foundation of the Unicorn Universe Digital Twin Construction Kit.

Built on the unique principles of Mobile-First, IoT-ready, AI-boosted Cloud Architecture, this digital twin creation tool and software suite enables applications to be developed that operate seamlessly across all types of devices, including everything from mobile phones to smart TVs. Thanks to its unified architecture and extensive component libraries, it enhances team flexibility, accelerates staff onboarding, and significantly reduces the risks associated with complex software projects.

Successful Projects

The new generation of the Damas MMS system also brings significant innovations thanks to the advanced use of artificial intelligence, used here to analyse large data sets, anomaly predictions, potential issue detection, and more. As a result, the entire solution not only ensures the reliable operation of critical infrastructure but also pushes the boundaries of technological advancement in the energy sector on a global scale.

Damas MMS has been implemented in several locations across Europe – both in the Damas MMS:E version (for electricity) and the Damas MMS:G version (for natural gas and, in the future, hydrogen). Recent successes include the launch of Damas MMS:E Balancing for IPTO (ADMIE), which manages the operation, management, maintenance, and development of the Greek transmission system.

Also, EirGrid (the transmission system and subsea HVDC interconnector operator in Ireland) just signed a 20-year strategic contract with Unicorn Systems valued at tens of millions of euros. Damas MMS will become a key component of the national power market system in Ireland, where it will conduct and optimise system services auctions and support the operation of all submarine cables connecting Ireland with Europe and the United Kingdom.

Unicorn can boast long-standing client relationships that reflect the quality of the services it provides. These includethe Joint Allocation Office (JAO), which is owned by twenty-two TSOs from nineteen countries and provides cross-border transmission capacity auctions across Europe. JAO has also been a satisfied Unicorn client for over 10 years now. Recently, the Damas MMS solution won a tender at JAO and will replace the currently operated system.

Precision in design, technological innovation, and adaptability (supported by strong referrals) represent the key differentiators and compelling business arguments for such a robust software solution. Thus, it comes as no surprise that the Damas MMS:E platform has made its way to the Gulf region, where Unicorn Systems has secured a tender issued by the Gulf Cooperation Council Interconnection Authority (GCCIA), which manages the high-voltage infrastructure linking Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Oman, and the United Arab Emirates.

The monumental potential of the next-generation Damas MMS platform is affirmed by CEO of Unicorn Systems, Jan Jaroš: “We consider the delivery for the Persian Gulf a significant milestone and a confirmation of our ability to supply cutting-edge energy solutions on a global level. We believe that the successful implementation of our Damas MMS:E product in this region will open the door to further opportunities in the Middle East and beyond.”