News
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.
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.