OPENTUNITY at the BRIDGE General Assembly 2025
OPENTUNITY is proud to participate in the BRIDGE General Assembly 2025, an essential gathering that brings together key players from EU-funded projects in the fields of smart grids, energy storage, islands, and digitalization. This annual event serves as a platform for knowledge exchange, collaboration, and strategic alignment to accelerate the European energy transition.
What is BRIDGE?
BRIDGE is an initiative by the European Commission that unites Horizon 2020 and Horizon Europe projects working on smart grids, demand response, energy communities, and digitalization. By fostering collaboration between projects, BRIDGE helps create a coherent regulatory, technical, and market framework that supports innovation and integration across the European energy landscape.
Through dedicated working groups and task forces, BRIDGE facilitates discussion on key topics such as:
- Regulatory framework for new market models.
- Data management and interoperability in digitalized energy systems.
- Business models for flexibility and storage services.
- Consumer and citizen engagement strategies.
The BRIDGE General Assembly: Objectives and Key Discussions
The BRIDGE General Assembly is a key event that brings together all participating projects to:
- Share project results and best practices.
- Discuss policy and regulatory developments impacting the energy transition.
- Align efforts across projects to maximize impact.
- Identify synergies between different initiatives.
This year’s assembly focused on scaling up innovative solutions and reinforcing the role of digitalization and flexibility markets in achieving Europe’s clean energy goals.
Why OPENTUNITY’s Participation Matters
OPENTUNITY is committed to contributing to BRIDGE by sharing insights from our work on flexibility markets, data-driven grid management, and citizen engagement. Our participation allows us to:
- Showcase how OPENTUNITY innovations support DSO-TSO coordination and local flexibility markets.
- Exchange expertise on interoperability, data spaces, and digital energy platforms.
- Strengthen partnerships with other EU-funded projects and stakeholders.
- Influence the policy and regulatory discussions shaping the future of the European energy system.
Looking ahead
Engagement in BRIDGE activities is crucial for ensuring that the solutions developed in OPENTUNITY align with broader European objectives and remain at the forefront of energy system transformation.
Advancing Local Flexibility: Insights from OPENTUNITY’s Greek Pilot
As part of ongoing efforts to develop market-based mechanisms for local flexibility, HEDNO (DSO), IPTO (TSO), and NODES recently participated in an online interview with VITO, contributing their insights from the Local Flexibility Market (LFM) designed for the Greek Pilot within OPENTUNITY. This initiative is part of a broader study commissioned by the Directorate-General for Energy (DG ENER) to support the development of a European framework for demand response and flexibility markets.
The Role of DG ENER and VITO in Local Flexibility Markets
In accordance with Article 59(1)(e) of Regulation (EU) 2019/943, DG ENER is working on the establishment of a network code for demand response, which will set the rules, roles, and procedures for market-based procurement of flexibility services. To support this process, DG ENER has tasked VITO, a leading European research organization, with conducting a study on specification and design criteria for Local Flexibility Markets (LFMs).
The goal of this study is to identify best practices and design criteria tailored to different Member States, ensuring that LFMs contribute effectively to congestion management and other local grid services. Ultimately, the study will inform the upcoming demand response network code, helping to create a structured and scalable approach to flexibility procurement across the EU.
Greece’s Contribution to the Study
Recognized for its pioneering work on LFMs, Greece was invited to share insights from the flexibility market developed for the Greek Pilot in OPENTUNITY. As key stakeholders in this initiative, HEDNO, IPTO, and NODES participated in the study by:
- Completing a detailed questionnaire addressing various aspects of LFM design and operation.
- Engaging in a comprehensive interview with VITO’s research team to discuss key challenges and best practices.
The study focused on several critical areas, including:
- LFM Setup – Market structure, key stakeholders, coordination mechanisms, and platform development.
- Product Design – Flexibility products, bid formats, pricing schemes, and aggregation rules.
- Market Design – Prequalification, trading mechanisms, bid selection, and activation processes.
- Market Governance – DSO-TSO coordination, regulatory alignment, and data sharing.
- Performance Indicators – Market liquidity, traded flexibility volumes, transaction frequency, and cost-benefit analysis.
- Scalability & Lessons Learned – Success factors, challenges, and the potential for European harmonization.
By participating in this study, OPENTUNITY plays a vital role in shaping the future of LFMs in Europe, leveraging its experience in DSO-TSO coordination and flexibility procurement.
Towards a Unified European Approach to Flexibility Markets
The insights gathered from various LFM initiatives, including the Greek Pilot, will contribute to the design, implementation, and integration framework for local flexibility procurement. These findings will be shared in an upcoming workshop, facilitating further discussions and knowledge exchange among stakeholders.
Through its participation in this study, OPENTUNITY reaffirms its commitment to developing innovative flexibility solutions, supporting the EU’s vision for a more efficient, coordinated, and resilient electricity market.
Stay tuned for more updates on OPENTUNITY’s work in flexibility markets and local grid innovations! 🚀
Unlocking Demand-Side Flexibility
The Rise of Demand-Side Flexibility in Spain
The energy landscape in Spain is undergoing a significant transformation, driven by the increasing penetration of renewable energy and advancements in the legislative framework. As the country moves towards a more sustainable and efficient energy system, demand-side flexibility is emerging as a key enabler of grid stability and efficiency.
In a recent interview, Lidia Caba, Energy Retailer Director at Estabanell, discussed the growing importance of demand-side flexibility and its potential to reshape the energy market. They highlighted how this shift could empower consumers, enhance grid reliability, and optimize energy consumption.
Estabanell’s Commitment to Flexibility Through OPENTUNITY
One of the ways Estabanell is actively exploring demand-side flexibility is through its participation in OPENTUNITY, a European research project focused on developing interoperable and innovative solutions for smart grids. Within OPENTUNITY, Estabanell aims to test the use of flexibility by engaging residential customers in real-world scenarios, demonstrating how end-users can play a vital role in balancing the grid.
Through this initiative, Estabanell seeks to:
✔ Develop and test innovative demand-side response mechanisms.
✔ Collaborate with residential customers to optimize energy use.
✔ Contribute to the creation of standardized and scalable flexibility solutions.
Why Flexibility Matters
Flexibility is essential for a modern energy system, as it enables the grid to adapt to fluctuations in supply and demand. By integrating smart technologies, digital platforms, and real-time data analytics, OPENTUNITY and its partners—including Estabanell—are working towards a future where flexibility becomes a widespread and accessible tool for consumers and energy operators alike.
The ongoing advancements in Spain’s regulatory framework further support this transition, setting the stage for flexibility to become a standard practice in the country’s energy market. As these developments unfold, Estabanell is positioning itself as a key player in the flexibility ecosystem, ensuring that its customers benefit from new opportunities to optimize energy usage and contribute to grid stability.
Stay Tuned for More Updates
As OPENTUNITY progresses, Estabanell will continue to explore and test flexibility mechanisms within the project. These efforts will provide valuable insights into consumer engagement, market design, and technical implementation, paving the way for a more resilient and sustainable energy future.
🔗 Read more about the interview here: Full Article (Spanish)
Engaging Citizens in the Greek Pilot Site
As part of its citizen engagement strategy, HEDNO, the leader of the Greek Pilot within the OPENTUNITY project, has developed a preliminary registration form for users interested in participating. This initiative aims to gather valuable insights from potential participants while fostering a deeper connection between citizens and the project.
Preliminary Registration and Initial Findings
The registration form was designed to collect essential user information, including:
- First Name
- Last Name
- City
- Phone Number
- Consent to receive informational material on the development of the Greek Pilot
- Interest in volunteering for technologies developed within the project
Initially, the form was shared with individuals familiar with OPENTUNITY for preliminary feedback. The results indicated that while users were open to receiving updates on the project, many were hesitant to volunteer for direct participation in the network operation tools. This reluctance was expected, as there were no clearly defined incentives for participation.
Addressing Participation Barriers: Refining the Approach
To better understand user motivations and encourage greater involvement, the form was updated with an additional question:
“Which of the following incentives would encourage you to voluntarily participate in the technologies developed in OPENTUNITY?”
The multiple-choice options included:
A. Improvement of environmental footprint
B. Smoother operation of the grid
C. Benefits from participating as a flexibility service provider
D. None of the above
E. Other (please specify)
By incorporating this question, HEDNO aims to gain deeper insights into what drives user engagement and how best to align OPENTUNITY’s offerings with citizen expectations. The responses to this refined questionnaire will help shape future outreach efforts and improve participation rates.
Next Steps and Participation
The updated registration form remains available for new users to express their interest and provide feedback. OPENTUNITY is committed to fostering an inclusive and engaging experience for citizens, ensuring that participation in the Greek Pilot is both beneficial and impactful for all involved.
Stay tuned for further updates as we continue to refine our approach and enhance citizen involvement in OPENTUNITY!
Latest Updates on OPENTUNITY’s Work with Standardization Bodies
As part of OPENTUNITY, our partner UNE has been actively engaging with key standardization committees. The goal is to establish connections that can foster collaboration in standardization efforts relevant to the project's scope. Here, we outline our progress and focus areas.
Initial Engagement with Committees
Initially, we identified eight technical committees for a first round of contact. The main objective of this outreach was to introduce the OPENTUNITY project and create a communication channel for potential contributions to standardization or liaison opportunities.
We provided them with a brief summary of the project, covering aspects such as Work Packages, Pilot sites, Use Cases, and Innovations, while also inviting their interest and feedback. So far, four technical committees have responded positively with varying levels of interest:
- CEN & CENELEC Focus Group on Data, Dataspaces, Cloud, and Edge
- COG-SG
- CLC TC 13
- CLC TC 57
Currently, we are focusing on potential collaboration with these committees as well as two newly established Joint Technical Committees:
- JTC 24: Digital Product Passport - Framework and System.
- JTC 25: Data Management, Dataspaces, Cloud, and Edge (DDCE) (which replaces the previous focus group).
These committees are working on crucial aspects relevant to OPENTUNITY, making them valuable partners in our standardization efforts.
The Digital Product Passport (DPP)
One key area of standardization involves the Digital Product Passport (DPP), a digital identity card for products, components, and materials. The DPP aims to enhance product sustainability, promote circularity, and ensure regulatory compliance. It will contain essential information accessible electronically, such as: user manuals, materials used, environmental impact assessments and recycling instructions.
As part of the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR), many products sold in the EU will be required to have a DPP. Other regulations, including those for batteries and construction products, also consider the DPP as a critical element.
To support the implementation of the DPP, the European Commission (EC) has issued a Standardization Request to CEN & CENELEC for the development of eight European standards, expected to be published before 2026. These standards will focus on the IT infrastructure necessary for DPP functionality rather than the specific data it will contain, which will be determined through future delegated acts.
European Trusted Data Framework and Dataspaces
Another crucial area of our standardization efforts is dataspaces. The EC has launched a Standardization Request for a European Trusted Data Framework, which is expected to result in the development of eight new standards. Our team is closely monitoring and engaging in these standardization activities to ensure OPENTUNITY aligns with and contributes to the evolving regulatory landscape.
Conclusion
Through our engagement with key standardization committees and active participation in critical regulatory developments, OPENTUNITY is positioning itself at the forefront of emerging standards in digital identity, sustainability, and data management. We will continue to foster collaborations and contribute to the evolving framework for a more interconnected and standardized digital ecosystem.
OPENTUNITY General Assembly in Madrid
The sixth General Assembly of the OPENTUNITY project took place in Madrid, Spain, on February 11 and 12, hosted by our partners at UNE. Over these two days, project partners gathered to discuss key developments, review progress across different work packages, and plan the next steps to maximize the project’s impact.
BRIDGE Highlights OPENTUNITY’s Contributions to the Energy Sector
We are excited to share that OPENTUNITY has been featured in the latest BRIDGE initiative newsletter and on its website. This milestone highlights the progress and contributions of our project within the context of Europe’s energy transition efforts.
BRIDGE, a European Commission initiative, brings together Horizon 2020 and Horizon Europe projects in the energy sector to foster collaboration, knowledge exchange, and policy alignment. By uniting experts in smart grids, energy storage, and digitalization, BRIDGE serves as a vital platform for OPENTUNITY to engage with like-minded initiatives and share its impact on the flexibility market and energy systems.
Summary of the Article on BRIDGE
The article on BRIDGE provides an overview of OPENTUNITY’s objectives and recent achievements. It focuses on how the project is advancing flexibility markets by developing innovative tools and fostering collaboration between stakeholders, including system operators, energy communities, and end-users.
Some key points discussed in the article include:
- Development of tools for flexibility markets: OPENTUNITY’s progress in enabling more efficient resource management and renewable energy integration.
- Pilot projects and use cases: How the consortium is testing innovative solutions to validate their real-world impact.
- Focus on collaboration and data sharing: The role of interoperability and secure data exchange in achieving project goals.
For the full article, we invite you to visit the BRIDGE website and read more about OPENTUNITY’s contribution to Europe’s clean energy future.
A Step Forward in the Energy Transition
This feature on BRIDGE demonstrates OPENTUNITY’s growing influence and its role in shaping the future of Europe’s energy systems. We are proud to collaborate with the BRIDGE community and look forward to contributing further to its mission of fostering a more sustainable, flexible, and inclusive energy sector.
📖 Read the full article on BRIDGE’s website: BRIDGE - OPENTUNITY Article.
Stay tuned to our website and social media channels for more updates on OPENTUNITY’s achievements and upcoming milestones!
Driving Smarter EV Infrastructure: Avantcar and SETUP’s Data-Driven Journey
From Data to Insight: Understanding EV Charging Patterns
In collaboration with Kolektor SETUP, Avantcar embarked on a transformative software development initiative over the past nine months, revolutionizing the management and optimization of EV charging stations. This innovative project aimed to collect critical measurement data and develop baseline forecasts, laying the foundation for smarter, more sustainable energy management within Avantcar’s charging network.
At the start of 2024, SETUP delved into analyzing measurement data from Avantcar’s EV charging points, uncovering usage patterns that revealed key insights. During January and February, the team identified various EV charger types, conducted essential communication tests, and dissected data from a “typical week.” Peaks in charging activity were mapped to morning, midday, and afternoon hours, with distinct differences observed between workdays and non-workdays. This data served as the basis for evaluating the system's capacity to manage peak power demands effectively.
Figure 1: Example of data analysis of AVA’s charging points.
Forecasting the Future: Advanced Algorithms for Energy Management
The next phase advanced the project by leveraging sophisticated forecasting techniques. Using diverse features—including season, month, hour, workday/non-workday status, temperature, and precipitation—three advanced algorithms were tested: Random Forest Regressor, LightGBM, and Histogram-Based Gradient Boosting Regression Tree (HGBRT). All three achieved impressive results, with a ~5% normalized Mean Absolute Percentage Error (nMAPE). HGBRT emerged as the preferred model, thanks to its consistent accuracy and robust performance.
This collaboration underscores the power of data-driven insights in shaping the future of EV infrastructure. By integrating advanced analytics and predictive modeling, Avantcar and SETUP are not only enhancing energy efficiency but also paving the way for smarter, more reliable EV charging solutions that align with evolving consumer needs and environmental goals.
Figure 2: Avantcar fleet
Expert Insights: The Road Ahead for the Energy Sector in 2025
As we approach 2025, the OPENTUNITY consortium have shared their goals, visions, and ideas for advancing the energy sector. Their insights highlight a shared commitment to innovation, sustainability, and collaboration, paving the way for a transformative year ahead.
What Do Partners Hope to Achieve with OPENTUNITY in 2025?
Flexibility Markets and Energy Efficiency
For many OPENTUNITY partners, the goal in 2025 is to develop and implement flexible energy solutions that maximize efficiency and promote collaboration among stakeholders. Reduxi emphasizes the importance of establishing a “fully functional, collaborative ecosystem that maximizes energy efficiency.” He sees OPENTUNITY as a way to enable plug-and-play flexibility solutions that can benefit a wide range of energy sector participants. Similarly, NODES aims to support the development of flexibility markets and help transition research results into practical solutions that improve grid management and increase renewable energy share.
“Our goal is to create leading technology solutions to support the establishment of flexibility markets for all pilot partners,” says NODES.
HIVEPOWER also emphasizes leveraging flexible resources, such as electric vehicles (EVs) and renewable storage systems, to enhance both grid reliability and sustainability.
Empowering End-Users and Promoting Decarbonization
Empowering consumers is central to the vision of several partners. JOANNEUM RESEARCH stresses the need for accessible, citizen-centric energy tools:
“We aim to see OPENTUNITY’s tools adopted by a great number of citizens, ensuring that the energy transition is both effective and fair.” states JOANNEUM RESEARCH.
Similarly, Estabanell is working to prove the usability of OPENTUNITY’s solutions, aiming to empower users to optimize their energy consumption while maintaining their comfort. HYPERTECH shares this vision by focusing on integrating Home and Building Energy Management Systems (HEMS/BEMS), enabling efficient energy management for all users.
Technological Advancements and Smart Grid Management
Technological innovation is another important theme in partners' aspirations for OPENTUNITY in 2025. ICCS hopes to see the widespread deployment of OPENTUNITY tools across demo sites, enabling smarter energy management through advanced asset management and strategic network planning. This aligns with ETRA I+D, which focuses on completing the development of technologies like NILM (Non-Intrusive Load Monitoring) and grid software solutions to demonstrate their real-world impact.
“We are eager to see the final output of all the work performed in the last two years,” says ETRA I+D.
What Innovative Practices or Tools Do Partners Want to See in 2025?
Digitalization and Smart Grid Tools
A key area of focus for many partners is the digitalization of the energy sector. Kolektor and HEDNO both highlight the importance of adopting advanced digital tools to improve grid management. Kolektor envisions a more proactive role for system operators in shaping and managing local flexibility markets through digital tools, while HEDNO stresses the need for the continued digitalization of energy systems to address emerging challenges in grid management.
“Next year, we would like to see the expansion of energy systems' digitalization through new tools,” says HEDNO.
UNE echoes this call for digitalization, pointing out the significant shift toward online standardization procedures, such as the Online Standards Development (OSD) tool, which will digitalize the standardization process for energy technologies. This digital shift is seen as crucial to the continued development and deployment of flexible, scalable solutions. AEM envisions integrating AI to create Digital Twin models for distribution grids, helping electricity companies with limited infrastructure data.
“AI-integrated Digital Twins could greatly benefit electricity companies lacking well-digitalized maps of their infrastructure,” explains AEM, adding that regulatory clarity around AI-related data handling is crucial.
Flexibility Markets and Demand-Side Response
Partners like Kolektor, Estabanell, and IPTO continue to prioritize flexibility markets as a key solution to optimize energy resources. IPTO also hopes to see progress on TSO-DSO coordination mechanisms, enabling more efficient allocation of flexibility resources. Estabanell envisions the development of demand-side response legislation in Spain, allowing for the viability of flexibility markets for residential applications using real-time metering and aggregation.
Estabanell hopes to see Spain progress in developing demand-side response legislation, defining new roles for flexibility service providers (FSPs) and making flexibility markets viable for residential applications. Kolektor also envisions a greater role for system operators in local flexibility markets. They see these markets as essential for optimizing energy resources and integrating renewable energy sources more effectively into local grids.
“In 2025, we hope to see system operators playing a more proactive role in managing local flexibility markets,” shares Kolektor.
HIVEPOWER focuses on integrating diverse assets into decarbonized and user-centric systems using advanced software and predictive AI algorithms.
Community-Centric Solutions and Fair Energy Transition
The transition to a fairer and more inclusive energy system is a common theme across many partners’ responses. JOANNEUM RESEARCH stresses the importance of placing citizens at the center of the energy transition, with tools that make energy more accessible to a wider population. They emphasize the need for affordable energy storage solutions and the expansion of decentralized systems, such as peer-to-peer energy trading, to empower communities and create resilient, self-sufficient energy systems.
Similarly, BLUESUN anticipates significant advancements in decentralized energy markets, enabling consumers to trade renewable energy directly with their neighbors. They also see AI-driven smart grids as a game-changing technology that will enhance grid flexibility and integration of renewables.
“The widespread adoption of decentralized energy markets and AI-driven smart grids will revolutionize how we produce and consume energy,” says BLUESUN.
Federated Data Exchange and Interoperability
QUE TECH emphasizes the need for a Federated Data Exchange Infrastructure to support interoperability and secure data exchange across energy systems. Their vision includes the widespread adoption of Data Spaces to enable robust and secure energy data exchange, ensuring that data sovereignty is maintained.
"We aim to see the OPENTUNITY project establish a fully functional and scalable Federated Data Exchange Infrastructure,” says QUE TECH.
A Shared Vision for 2025 and Beyond
The partners’ contributions offer a clear picture of the collective aspirations for the energy sector in 2025. Flexibility markets, technological innovation, and the empowerment of consumers are central to the vision of OPENTUNITY. Whether through the digitalization of grid systems, the expansion of demand-side response solutions, or the development of community-centered platforms, the goal is to create a more resilient, efficient, and inclusive energy system.
The OPENTUNITY consortium is united in its mission to foster collaboration, drive technological advancements, and ensure that the benefits of the energy transition reach all stakeholders. As we look ahead to 2025, these shared goals will guide the consortium’s efforts to shape the future of the energy sector, making it smarter, greener, and more equitable.
We wish all our partners, and everyone in the energy sector, a successful and transformative 2025. Together, we can achieve a more sustainable and inclusive energy future. Happy New Year! 🌟
12ª Conferencia del Programa Marco de I+I de la UE en España
On November 28, 2024, OPENTUNITY was proudly showcased at the 12th EU Research and Innovation Framework Programme Conference, held in Oviedo, Spain. This event, organized by CDTI (Centre for the Development of Industrial Technology), brought together key stakeholders from research, innovation, and industry to highlight the transformative projects driving Europe’s future under the Horizon Europe framework.
12th EU Research and Innovation Framework Programme Conference
The conference serves as a premier platform to explore cutting-edge advancements in science and technology funded through Horizon Europe, the European Union’s flagship research and innovation program. This year, the event included a poster exhibition, featuring projects coordinated by Spanish entities, selected based on their excellence, impact, and collaboration. CDTI’s meticulous evaluation process emphasized the scope of the projects, public-private partnerships, and their contributions to advancing key EU priorities.
OPENTUNITY’s Participation
ETRA I+D represented OPENTUNITY at the poster exhibition, engaging with numerous attendees who expressed interest in the project’s objectives and innovations. The poster presented how OPENTUNITY is driving the energy transition through:
- Decentralized flexibility solutions that empower system operators and flexibility service providers.
- Tools that enhance public-private collaboration within Spain’s energy ecosystem.
- Innovative approaches to support a sustainable and resilient energy grid across Europe.
The event provided a valuable opportunity to connect with stakeholders, exchange ideas, and further promote OPENTUNITY’s contributions to modernizing energy systems and supporting the EU’s climate and energy goals.
OPENTUNITY_POSTER_CDTI
The Role of CDTI
As the organizer of the event, CDTI plays a pivotal role in fostering innovation and research in Spain. By supporting initiatives like OPENTUNITY, CDTI helps bridge the gap between research and industry, ensuring that cutting-edge technologies are applied to real-world challenges.
Looking Ahead
OPENTUNITY’s presence at the conference reaffirmed its importance in the Horizon Europe framework and highlighted the potential of its innovative solutions. As the project continues to advance, it remains committed to driving Europe’s energy transition and promoting collaboration across sectors and regions.