A Data-Driven Paradigm: Digital Twins, IoT and AI for Predictive Management of High-Voltage T&D Assets

The transmission and distribution sector is undergoing a structural transformation driven by accelerated decarbonisation, large-scale electrification and rapid integration of inverter-based resources [4]. These developments impose different operational stress profiles on HV assets originally designed for deterministic, unidirectional power flows. Increased thermal cycling, bidirectional loading, fast switching transients and reduced system inertia accelerate ageing mechanisms in transformers, overhead lines, switchgear, gas-insulated substations (GIS) and