## 4 Digitalization of MGs
### Cloud Computing  
The digitalization of MGs has become an increasingly important trend in the modern energy industry. Cloud computing (CC), a technology that allows users to access a shared pool of computing resources over the internet, has emerged as a key enabler of this trend. This section provides an overview of CC, its components, applications, and its impact on the digitalization of MGs. CC is a technology that allows users to access computing resources such as processing power, storage, and software over the internet, without having to invest in and manage their own information technology (IT) infrastructure. The CC is based on a model where resources are provided as a service, and users pay only for what they use, similar to a utility model. CC consists of several components that are used to enable the delivery of on-demand computing resources, such as storage, processing power, and applications, over the internet. In the context of MGs, these components can include [182; 183]:  
_Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS)_: IaaS provides the computing infrastructure needed to support microgrid operations, such as servers, storage, and networking equipment. This infrastructure is typically provided by cloud service providers, who offer scalable and flexible resources that can be adjusted to meet the needs of microgrid operators. _Platform as a Service (PaaS)_: PaaS provides the platform needed to build and deploy applications that can be used to manage and optimize microgrid operations. This can include tools for data analytics, machine learning, and automation, which can be used to optimize the performance of microgrid components and to predict future energy needs. _Software as a Service (SaaS)_: SaaS provides software applications that can be used to manage and monitor microgrid operations, such as energy management systems, demand response platforms, and energy trading platforms. These applications are typically provided by cloud service providers, who offer them on a subscription basis, and can be accessed through a web browser or mobile app. _Cloud Storage_: Cloud storage provides the storage resources needed to store and manage the large amounts of data generated by microgrid operations. These data can include energy usage data, weather data, and other operational data, which can be used to optimize microgrid performance and to make accurate predictions about future energy needs. _Cloud Security_: Cloud security provides the security measures needed to protect the data and infrastructure used to support microgrid operations. This can include measures such as access control, encryption, and monitoring, which can be used to prevent unauthorized access and ensure the integrity of microgrid operations. The CC can provide several applications that can be used to manage and optimize microgrid operations. These applications can include energy management systems, demand response platforms, energy trading platforms, and predictive analytics [23; 184; 185; 186]. Energy management systems can be used to optimize the operation of microgrid components, such as energy storage and RESs, to meet energy demand and minimize energy costs. Demand response platforms can be used to reduce energy consumption during periods of high energy demand, by incentivizing consumers to reduce their energy usage [184; 185]. Energy trading platforms can be used to facilitate the buying and selling of energy between microgrid operators, energy providers, and consumers [23]. Predictive analytics can be used to make accurate predictions about future energy demand and supply, which can help to optimize microgrid operations and improve energy efficiency [186]. The impact of the CC on MGs has been significant. It can increase the efficiency of MGs by providing the computing resources needed to optimize energy production, storage, and consumption, as illustrated in Figure 10[23; 182; 186]. This can result in lower energy costs, improved reliability, and reduced greenhouse gas emissions.