News
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.
SAEE Conference 2024: Leveraging EV Fleet Flexibility
The SAEE Conference, a premier event focused on sustainable energy and environmental advancements, recently brought together experts, researchers, and practitioners to discuss cutting-edge solutions for global energy challenges. This year’s conference highlighted transformative ideas in renewable energy, smart grids, and sustainable mobility—areas at the heart of the OPENTUNITY project.
One of the standout contributions came from Janez Gregor , a researcher from the University of Ljubljana, who presented the paper: "Analysis of Consumption Forecasting and Flexibility Utilization of an Electric Vehicle Fleet in the OPENTUNITY Project". Co-authored with Klemen Peter Kosovinc (Kolektor sETup), Miha Valentinčič (Avantcar), and Tomi Medved (University of Ljubljana), the paper delves into the potential of electric vehicle (EV) fleets to optimize energy usage and support the green transition.
Transforming Mobility with Energy Flexibility
As the EU aims to ban sales of new CO₂-emitting vehicles by 2035, the mobility sector is rapidly shifting toward electric vehicles. Avantcar’s EV-sharing service, with over 50,000 users, exemplifies this trend but also reveals an untapped opportunity: leveraging EV fleets for advanced energy management. The study presented at SAEE highlights how new mobility infrastructure—vehicles and charging stations—can contribute to grid stability and operational efficiency.
OPENTUNITY’s Role in Innovation
The OPENTUNITY project, funded by Horizon Europe, integrates cutting-edge methodologies and machine learning models to analyze and forecast energy consumption from EV fleets. By aggregating data from charging stations and identifying usage patterns, the project develops algorithms to determine flexibility potential. This approach not only optimizes fleet operations but also strengthens grid reliability, showcasing the critical role of EVs in the energy transition.
Key Takeaways
The presentation by the OPENTUNITY team underscored the importance of:
- Forecasting consumption patterns using advanced data analysis and machine learning.
- Utilizing flexibility from EV fleets to support grid stability and enhance efficiency.
- Aligning mobility innovations with sustainability goals to drive a greener energy system.
A Step Forward for Sustainable Mobility
The SAEE Conference served as a platform to share OPENTUNITY’s insights with a global audience, fostering collaboration and innovation in sustainable energy practices. With contributions like this, the project reinforces its commitment to developing practical, impactful solutions for the energy sector.
Access the Full Paper
For those interested in a deeper dive into the methodologies and findings, the full paper, "Analysis of Consumption Forecasting and Flexibility Utilization of an Electric Vehicle Fleet in the OPENTUNITY Project" is available in Slovene.
Read the paper here:
Bridging Gaps in Digital Energy: A Talk with Every1
The shift to a digitalized and decarbonized energy system requires not only technological innovation but also a focus on inclusivity and capacity building for all stakeholders. The Every1 Project is at the forefront of this mission, working to empower diverse actors—ranging from energy communities and local authorities to market enablers—with the knowledge and tools they need to actively participate in the digital energy transition.
In an exclusive interview, the OPENTUNITY team explored Every1’s strategies, achievements, and vision for the future. From building networks that facilitate collaboration to creating tailored capacity-building materials, Every1 is shaping a more inclusive energy landscape. The conversation also revealed exciting synergies between the two projects and opportunities for joint activities to amplify societal impact.
Discover how Every1 is making digital energy innovation accessible for all and what it means for Europe’s energy transition in this insightful exchange.
An Interview with Every1 Project
What specific challenges or issues does Every1 focus on, and how does it aim to address them?
Every1 Project is an ambitious project aiming to enable an effective participation of all European stakeholders in the digital energy market.
The project starts from a deep data-informed understanding of energy communities, local authorities, cluster organisations and other stakeholders to map who they are, what they know about digital energy topics, how they use information and where they look for it. Our project team assesses and validates existing and emerging digital energy solutions and develops use cases to better understand what citizens and organisations need to know to take up a role in the new digital energy system that matches their potential. The evaluation of knowledge gaps is used to develop learning pathways that lead to the identification of the needed capacity building material. Parallel, Every1 has established a Market Enablers Network which facilitates the exchange of best practices with policy makers and energy market actors (Transmission System Operators (TSOs), Distribution System Operators (DSOs), and regulators), enabling discussions on barriers, and developing joint communication material for their peers.
What significant milestones has Every1 reached this 2024?
In 2024 the project focused on the material development through our ecosystem and market enablers networks. During our project’s first two years, we studied stakeholders and how they are networked in ecosystems. In parallel, we analysed the maturity and adoption of the existing digital energy tools within the European market. With these valuable insights, we are now able to produce capacity-building materials on the topics requested by and in collaboration with the different stakeholders. The production of these materials runs in cycles with testing and feedback loops. By the end of 2024, we will publish the first set of materials and push the uptake through the various ecosystems.
In terms of societal influence, how has Every1 contributed to its target communities, and what feedback have you received from beneficiaries?
The process of capacity building material development is based on continuous engagement with the involved actors and beneficiaries of these materials. We surveyed their needs in terms of topics -, level, format and return to them throughout the process for feedback. Based on this exchange we develop general materials but in addition tailormade learning materials are planned to respond to specific needs that may vary from one ecosystem to another across the European continent.
What role does collaboration play in Every1’s overall strategy, particularly in terms of working with other EU-funded initiatives?
Collaboration is key to Every1’s overall strategy. Every1 collaborates with other EU projects and initiatives that provide training, capacity building, and technical assistance. We organise joint events and regularly exchange best practices and learnings. Check out our Synergy Projects page to learn more about our network.
Both Every1 and OPENTUNITY are focused on promoting stakeholder engagement, flexibility, and innovation within Europe’s energy markets. How do you see Every1’s work complementing the goals of the OPENTUNITY project?
Both projects can leverage on each other networks and partners we’re interacting with to increase the uptake and ensure a wide spread of the developed capacity building materials.
The Market Enablers Network established in the Every1 project is meant to interact with other EU energy market actors to increase the adoption of flexibility products in support of the energy transition.
OPENTUNITY seeks to create accessible platforms and collaborative spaces. How do you think a joint activity between Every1 and OPENTUNITY could enhance our outreach and societal impact?
The ICN Solutions platform is used to bring the different EU energy market actors together, as an opportunity seeking and matchmaking platform. We can develop campaigns and challenges on specific topics to facilitate collaboration.
We love the idea! As our projects share a key partner (Joanneum Research), we are already closely aligned to better facilitate our outreach and joint activities.
How can projects like Every1 and OPENTUNITY collaborate to ensure long-term societal impact?
Let's share our projects’ learnings to as many people as possible. We’d also like to co-host a webinar with OPENTUNITY. Our “Mind the Gap” webinars aim to spread knowledge around digitalisation of energy services. We think that a webinar on the topic of Energy Flexibility would be a great option for both projects.
Are there any upcoming initiatives or strategies that you are particularly excited about?
Our first set of learning materials will soon be released and pushed through a massive online campaign. In Spring 2025, we expect the first version of our Learning Pathways Tool, which will take eager learners on a journey through the digital energy transition.
Which are your wishes for energy sector in 2025?
We hope that 2025 brings warm collaboration among the actors in the digital energy transition. We also hope to see more enthusiasm around innovation and knowledge sharing in digitalisation!
EU-funded projects collaboration
The synergies between Every1 and OPENTUNITY demonstrate the importance of shared goals and joint efforts in advancing societal impact. Together, projects like these can amplify outreach, drive innovation, and create meaningful change in Europe’s energy landscape. As we look toward the future, continued collaboration and knowledge-sharing will remain essential for realizing the full potential of the energy transition.
Innovation in Energy Flexibility: OPENTUNITY at MedPower 2024
OPENTUNITY recently participated in the 14th Mediterranean Conference on Power Generation, Transmission, Distribution, and Energy Conversion (MEDPOWER 2024), which took place in Athens, Greece, from November 3rd to 6th, 2024. This prestigious event brought together industry leaders, policymakers, and academics from across Europe to discuss the latest trends, challenges, and innovations in the energy landscape. As part of this important conference, OPENTUNITY took the opportunity to showcase its contributions to the energy sector, particularly in the area of decentralized flexibility for grid services.
OPENTUNITY's Panel Session: A Focus on Decentralized Flexibility
One of the key highlights of OPENTUNITY's participation at MEDPOWER 2024 was the panel session titled "Decentralized Flexibility for Grid Services". This session presented the groundbreaking technology and software solutions developed within the framework of the EU-funded OPENTUNITY project. OPENTUNITY is committed to advancing energy systems by addressing critical issues such as grid stability, flexibility, and the integration of renewable energy sources.
The session aimed to explore the evolving role of distributed flexibility in modern power systems. As Europe transitions toward a more sustainable energy future, ensuring grid stability becomes increasingly important. The introduction of decentralized flexibility solutions offers a promising pathway for achieving this goal. By utilizing flexibility from various distributed energy resources, such as residential solar panels, electric vehicles, and small-scale energy storage, grid operators can better manage fluctuations in supply and demand.
Key Topics and Discussions
The panel discussion covered a range of important topics related to grid management and flexibility provision, including:
- The roles and requirements of System Operators, Flexibility Service Providers, and the NODES market: This topic addressed the growing need for cooperation and coordination between different market actors to effectively integrate decentralized flexibility into the energy system.
- Innovative methodologies and tools for grid management: The session showcased advanced software and technological solutions that OPENTUNITY has developed to help system operators manage the grid more efficiently, while also enabling the integration of flexible, decentralized resources.
- Insights from the OPENTUNITY pilot in Mesogia, Athens: The panel also highlighted the real-world application of these solutions in the Greek pilot of the OPENTUNITY project. The pilot provided valuable insights into how flexibility solutions can be deployed in practice, demonstrating the tangible benefits of distributed flexibility in supporting grid stability and resilience.
Expert Panelists and Chair
The panel session featured a distinguished group of experts from various organizations that are key partners in the OPENTUNITY project. These included:
- Svein Jørgen Sønning – NODES
- Vassilis Boglou – HEDNO (Hellenic Electricity Distribution Network Operator)
- Antonis Papanikolaou – Hypertech SA
- Thanos Lagos – National Technical University of Athens (NTUA)
- Serafeim Panidis – IPTO (Independent Power Transmission Operator)
The panel was chaired by Gesa Milzer (NODES), whose expert moderation ensured a dynamic and engaging discussion.
The Future of Decentralized Flexibility in Europe
The main takeaway from the panel session was the importance of decentralized flexibility in reshaping Europe's energy systems. As more renewable energy sources are integrated into the grid, it is essential to have mechanisms in place to balance supply and demand. Decentralized flexibility offers a sustainable solution to this challenge by tapping into a variety of distributed energy resources and providing system operators with the tools they need to maintain grid stability.
Moreover, the OPENTUNITY project is playing a crucial role in bridging the gap between traditional grid management methods and the new needs of a modern energy system. By focusing on distributed flexibility and fostering data exchange and interoperability, the project aims to ensure that all actors in the energy ecosystem—from prosumers to Transmission System Operators (TSOs) and Distribution System Operators (DSOs)—can work together to create a more resilient and efficient grid.
The Greek pilot of OPENTUNITY highlighted how these solutions work in practice, providing real-world evidence of their potential to support grid stability. The pilot also underscored the importance of TSO-DSO coordination and the role of flexibility service providers in enabling smooth integration of flexible resources into the grid.
Moving Forward: Collaboration and Innovation for a Sustainable Energy Future
The discussions and insights shared at MEDPOWER 2024 reaffirmed that the developments and results from the OPENTUNITY project are essential for addressing the challenges of modern power systems. As Europe moves toward a future of decarbonized, efficient, and resilient energy systems, the role of decentralized flexibility will be critical.
The OPENTUNITY project is a key player in this transition, offering valuable tools and solutions for system operators, flexibility service providers, and market participants. Through continued collaboration with partners such as NODES, IPTO, HEDNO, HyperTech, and ICCS, OPENTUNITY is helping to create a more flexible and sustainable energy grid for the future.
The future of Europe’s energy systems lies in innovation and collaboration. OPENTUNITY's participation in MEDPOWER 2024 served as a reminder of the importance of working together to tackle the challenges of the energy transition and ensure a reliable, efficient, and sustainable energy future for all.
In conclusion, OPENTUNITY’s involvement in MEDPOWER 2024 was a significant step forward in advancing the conversation on decentralized flexibility for grid services. We look forward to continuing our work with our partners and contributing to the development of more flexible, resilient, and sustainable power systems across Europe.
OPENTUNITY Contributes to Low-Voltage Grid Management Solutions at SST 2024
From October 16th to 18th, the 6th International Conference on Smart Systems and Technologies (SST) took place in Osijek, Croatia, gathering industry leaders and researchers to explore the latest innovations in smart grids and digital energy solutions. On October 16th, the SynGRID Special Session "Driving Synergies in Low-Voltage Grid Management", featured insights from key experts, including Dr. Edin Lakić and Dr. Tomi Medved, Head of the Laboratory of Energy Policy at the Faculty of Electrical Engineering, University of Ljubljana, both contributing to the OPENTUNITY Project.
During the session, the speakers delved into the technical, regulatory, and market challenges associated with low-voltage grid management in widening countries. With a special focus on flexibility solutions, the discussions drew on cutting-edge research developed by EU projects like OPENTUNITY. Both Dr. Lakić and Dr. Medved, highlighted how flexibility tools can improve grid stability, reduce imbalances, and foster energy communities.
A particular focus was given to the advancements made in Slovenia’s Luče pilot site, where local market mechanisms for flexibility services have been successfully integrated. This pilot, along with other case studies, served as an example of how OPENTUNITY’s innovative solutions are contributing to more resilient and adaptable energy grids.
The session successfully aligned with SST 2024’s overarching theme of “smart systems for a sustainable future,” reinforcing the need for continued collaboration and innovation in managing low-voltage grids across Europe. IRI UL’s involvement in this session highlights its commitment to driving impactful solutions in the energy sector, particularly through its work in the OPENTUNITY Project.
Opentunity Consortium Plenary Meeting Held in Graz
On October 15th and 16th, the OPENTUNITY consortium gathered in Graz, Austria, for its first plenary meeting following the project’s review. The event took place at the offices of JOANNEUM RESEARCH, one of the project’s key partners. This meeting marked an important milestone for the consortium, allowing members to come together to assess the project's progress and align on future steps.
The primary goal of the meeting was to review and implement feedback provided by the European Commission. The consortium used this opportunity to discuss strategies for further improving the project’s impact and ensuring that all technical advancements are in line with the EC’s recommendations. The first day of the meeting was focused on in-depth technical discussions, where each team presented the progress made across all OPENTUNITY technologies, highlighting key achievements and addressing challenges.
On the second day, attention shifted to the pilot sites. Consortium members evaluated the current status and progress of these sites, identifying areas for enhancement and planning the next steps to ensure successful implementation. These pilot sites are critical for the validation of OPENTUNITY’s solutions in real-world scenarios, making this discussion particularly significant.
In addition to the intense work sessions, the consortium also had the chance to enjoy the beautiful city of Graz and its renowned facilities. This provided a relaxed atmosphere for team-building and further networking. The meeting not only strengthened the collaboration among partners but also set a clear path forward for the next phases of the project.
OPENTUNITY's Participation in the European Week of Regions and Cities
The European Week of Regions and Cities, organized annually by the European Commission, is a four-day event where cities and regions showcase their ability to foster growth, create jobs, and implement the EU's cohesion policy. It also highlights the importance of local and regional governance for sustainable European growth. This year, OPENTUNITY's partner, JOANNEUM RESEARCH, took part in a significant workshop titled "Fostering the Uptake and Social Impact of the Energy Transition through Citizen Engagement", held on October 10.
Key Highlights from the Workshop
The workshop revealed several key insights that will shape the future of citizen engagement in the energy transition.
One of the most notable aspects was the high level of participation and the intense discussions that took place. This clearly demonstrated the eagerness of practitioners to better understand how to effectively involve citizens in the journey toward a more sustainable future. Another critical takeaway was the importance of early engagement. Bringing citizens into the fold from the beginning of energy projects ensures better alignment between community needs and project goals, improves mutual understanding, and enhances the overall impact of initiatives. Moreover, the workshop highlighted the value of showcasing success stories. There are already outstanding examples of effective citizen engagement in the energy transition, and sharing these experiences can serve as a valuable learning tool for others. By highlighting these success stories, the broader community can adopt best practices and continue to improve citizen participation in energy projects.
Conclusions and Next Steps
The workshop concluded with a consensus on the need for continued efforts to engage citizens early in the energy transition process. It was clear that practitioners are keen to collaborate and learn from successful examples, refining their approaches to include communities in meaningful ways. OPENTUNITY will continue to focus on promoting early citizen involvement and sharing successful case studies to drive the energy transition forward.
In conclusion, the participation of OPENTUNITY and JOANNEUM RESEARCH in the European Week of Regions and Cities underscored the critical role of citizen engagement in achieving a sustainable future. By fostering collaboration between stakeholders and communities, OPENTUNITY is contributing to the creation of energy solutions that not only meet environmental goals but also resonate with the people they impact.
Advanced State Estimation for Distribution Grids Based on Deep Learning
State estimation techniques establish a link between the measuring devices of an electrical network and the control centers to present and monitor all the electrical magnitudes of the network itself. State estimation approaches have been applied in transmission networks for many years, but these techniques are not directly applicable in distribution networks.
In distribution systems, State estimation algorithms aim to obtain the state of the system, i.e. the voltages at all buses and connection points. It is a necessary process before calculating the power flow and safety analysis. In addition, it should be added that traditional state estimation only takes into account statistical distributions to model uncertainties in measurements (e.g., power distribution among single-bus feeders).
Development of Deep Learning Algorithms
The development is based on a multipurpose prediction software module. This module includes a time series decomposition model with three main components: trends, seasonality (in different periods, varying from daily period to an annual period), and exogenous variables (holidays, weather, etc.). The modeling of these components can be summarized as follows:
- Trends can be modeled using two internal models: A saturated nonlinear growth model and a trend model with change points. The saturated nonlinear growth model captures the initial acceleration and subsequent deceleration as a limit is reached. The trend model with change points identifies specific moments where the trend changes direction or speed, allowing a better adaptation to market dynamics
- Seasonality in energy consumption, such as increased demand in summer due to the use of air conditioning, can be modeled using Fourier series. By breaking down demand into sinusoidal components, seasonal patterns can be identified, and deep learning models can be adjusted to forecast these periodic variations. This improves the accuracy of the state estimation by taking into account regular fluctuations in energy demand.
- Exogenous variables are added to the overall model as additive linear regressions. These variables, which are factors external to the system (but influence its behavior) are incorporated into the model to improve the accuracy of the predictions. In the context of state estimation, exogenous variables can include factors such as temperature, time of day, day of the week, special events, or even energy prices. By adding these variables using additive linear regressions, their direct and linear impact on the variable of interest can be captured, allowing the model to adjust its predictions more accurately and better reflect the reality of the electricity system. These results in a more robust and reliable.
For the generation of the models, historical data by the project Pilot Sites have been used.
Integration into the ETRA I+D ÉTER software tool
ETRA I+D has its own tool called ÉTER, developed and validated in real conditions in the different European projects in which it has participated. The purpose of ÉTER is to control, manage and monitor an electricity distribution network, improving its flexibility, stability and security; being particularly relevant in scenarios with a high penetration of renewable energies and that require better demand management.
ÉTER currently integrates a State estimation module, but based mainly on probabilistic methods. The ultimate goal of ETRA is to integrate this new State estimation module based on Deep Learning into ÉTER once it has been validated in the OPENTUNITY pilots.
The following image shows how the power flows calculated with the current State estimation module are displayed in ÉTER. The visualization once the new module is integrated will be similar, but the calculations are expected to be more accurate and reliable.
OPENTUNITY at GSM 2024: Driving the Future of Sustainable Energy
On July 1–2, 2024, OPENTUNITY actively participated in the 7th International Grid Service Market Symposium (GSM 2024) in Lucerne, Switzerland. Organized by the Institute for Innovation & Technology Management and the CC for Power Economy at Lucerne University of Applied Sciences.
This premier event brought together experts from academia, industry, and civil society to explore the latest developments, technological advancements, and regulatory challenges in integrating renewable energy sources.
About GSM 2024
The GSM 2024 symposium plays a vital role in shaping the future of Europe’s energy markets. With a primary focus on the optimal integration of renewable energy, the event offers a comprehensive look at recent developments in European grid service markets, highlighting both regulatory obstacles and technological advancements.
One of the central challenges for European electricity grids and markets is balancing the need for network reinforcement, market harmonization, and integration. As the adoption of renewable sources grows, these efforts present unique challenges and opportunities for stakeholders across the electricity industry. GSM 2024 emphasizes how new technologies and innovative grid services can help optimize current infrastructure and transform the industry for the long term.
OPENTUNITY’s Role and Key Takeaways
Represented by our partner NODES, OPENTUNITY contributed to the symposium with a presentation and a poster session, sharing insights into our work addressing the energy transition's critical challenges. Our discussions focused on advancing the flexibility value chain in energy systems and exploring advanced data storage and exchange methods essential for efficient grid management. OPENTUNITY highlighted the importance of holistic solutions to manage grid flexibility, a priority as renewable energy integration accelerates.
The GSM 2024 Symposium provided an invaluable platform for exchanging knowledge and best practices, allowing OPENTUNITY to connect with global experts. We look forward to leveraging these insights to drive further innovation for a cleaner, more adaptable European energy grid.
Celebrating Progress: OPENTUNITY Project's 1st Review Meeting in Lugano
Celebrating Progress: OPENTUNITY Project's 1st Review Meeting in Lugano
10/06/2024
Last week, the OPENTUNITY project consortium gathered in Lugano, Switzerland, for a significant milestone: their 1st Review Meeting with the European Commission. Hosted by the University of Applied Sciences and Arts of Southern Switzerland and Azienda Elettrica di Massagno (AEM) SA, the meeting was an opportunity to showcase their progress over the past 16 months.
The consortium was delighted to present the strides made in their innovations across the four pilot sites. During the meeting, consortium members and European Commission representatives visited the Arena Innovation Community, a more advanced energy community than the Motta District, where OPENTUNITY innovations will be tested. This visit highlighted several key innovations, including the V2G charging station linked to the local car-sharing service, which demonstrated their advancements in vehicle-to-grid technology. Additionally, the biomass-powered district heating system showcased sustainable heating solutions within the community, while the high voltage substation, connecting to the 15 kV network, ensured efficient energy distribution. Various photovoltaic (PV) systems within the energy communities underscored their commitment to renewable energy.
This review meeting was crucial not only for presenting their achievements but also for receiving valuable feedback from the European Commission. This input will be instrumental in guiding their efforts to implement improvements and achieve the excellence they strive for in the OPENTUNITY project.
