Energy Transition
Real-Time Thermal Monitoring at Anell's Network
At OPENTUNITY, we are committed to unlocking the full potential of the grid, making it smarter, more flexible, and ready for the demands of a high-renewable future. This summer, our partner Anell has taken a significant step toward that goal.
Where?
In a medium-voltage line within Anell’s distribution network in Catalonia (Spain).
What Happened?
Two temperature sensors were installed directly on the conductor of a medium-voltage line as part of OPENTUNITY’s Real-Time Thermal Rating (RTTR) use case.
Why does this matter?
Traditionally, distribution system operators use static and conservative estimates to define the maximum current capacity of their lines, often based on worst-case weather conditions. In reality, line capacity varies depending on the actual conductor temperature, which fluctuates with current and ambient conditions. Under favorable conditions, the line can safely carry more energy than these conservative limits suggest.
That’s where OPENTUNITY comes in.
Smarter Algorithms for a Smarter Grid
Instead of deploying expensive sensors across the entire grid, OPENTUNITY is developing a data-driven algorithm to estimate conductor temperature in real time, using only ambient temperature and electrical current measurements.
To validate this model, Anell installed two temperature sensors on a live grid segment, enabling a comparison between measured and estimated conductor temperatures. These insights will support further development of the algorithm and its future deployment at scale.
“If we have better information on the capacity of our grid in real time, we can take better decisions when operating it at critical moments. Real-time thermal rating provides us just that.” – Anell team
Why Sentrisense?
As part of the validation, Anell chose to work with Sentrisense, a startup offering a lightweight and cost-effective temperature sensor design that differs from most commercial options. OPENTUNITY partners are now receiving data from the devices to refine their tools and algorithms.
OPENTUNITY Joins EUSEW 2025 to Showcase Innovation in Energy Flexibility
We are thrilled to announce that OPENTUNITY will be present at the EU Sustainable Energy Week (EUSEW) 2025, the EU’s flagship event on renewables and energy efficiency. This year’s edition takes place in Brussels, gathering energy stakeholders from across Europe to discuss policies, trends, and innovations shaping a sustainable energy future.
You can find us at Booth C5, 2nd Floor of the Charlemagne Building, where we will be presenting the latest advances from our project and engaging with other key players in the energy transition.
At EUSEW, OPENTUNITY will showcase its integrated approach to unlocking flexibility across the energy system through its four core pillars:
- OPENFLEX: enabling consumers and prosumers to offer flexibility through smart home/building tools, with live pilot testing underway in Slovenia, Spain, Greece and Switzerland. Recent progress includes the integration of EV charging infrastructure and HEMS/BEMS platforms, as well as the development of AI models for flexibility forecasting.
- OPENGRID: supporting DSOs and TSOs with innovative grid management solutions. Among the tools currently being validated in all four pilot countries is our State Estimation module — designed for improved real-time grid visibility — and low-cost thermal rating tools that optimize asset usage.
- OPENSPACE: building a Federated Data Exchange Infrastructure. We have recently achieved a major milestone with the completion of the architectural foundation and Proof-of-Concepts for trusted data sharing services.
- OPENABILITY: promoting interoperability through alignment with European standards. The updated Standardization Action Plan provides a clear roadmap for OPENTUNITY’s contributions to ongoing regulatory and technical standardisation efforts.
Our participation in EUSEW is more than just an exhibition — it’s a step toward reinforcing OPENTUNITY’s role in Europe's digital and sustainable energy transformation. Come meet us at the EUSEW to learn how we are building scalable, replicable and interoperable solutions that empower energy actors across Europe.
Join us at Booth C5 and discover how OPENTUNITY is helping to shape the flexible energy system of tomorrow.
OPENTUNITY Joins the Energy Nexus Cluster
We’re excited to announce that OPENTUNITY has officially joined the Energy Nexus Cluster, a dynamic collaboration platform bringing together cutting-edge EU-funded projects committed to shaping the future of the European energy system.
What is the Energy Nexus Cluster?
The Energy Nexus Cluster is an initiative that unites Horizon Europe and Horizon 2020 projects with a shared ambition: to drive the digitalisation, decarbonisation, and integration of energy systems across Europe. By fostering cross-project collaboration, the cluster aims to align technical developments, harmonise research outcomes, and jointly communicate the transformative impact of EU innovation on energy systems.
This cluster supports knowledge exchange, co-creation opportunities, and joint dissemination efforts across projects working on smart grid flexibility, data spaces, local energy communities, AI integration, and user-centric energy solutions.
Collaborative Projects with Shared Vision
The Energy Nexus Cluster brings together a diverse group of forward-looking European projects. RESONANCE focuses on facilitating interoperable data exchange and cross-sector services, while STREAM aims to enable real-time flexibility for smart grids. SENERGY NETS works on integrated energy networks for decarbonisation, and REEFLEX enhances grid stability with flexibility services. BEFLEXIBLE and ELEXIA both empower stakeholders with advanced demand-side flexibility tools and market mechanisms. ENFLATE demonstrates scalable flexibility services across Europe; GLOCALFLEX, addressing local energy flexibility markets and social engagement strategies, and INDEPENDENT designs intelligent systems for local energy management. GEOFLEXheat focuses on geothermal energy and flexibility, contributing to low-carbon heating solutions. Now, OPENTUNITY joins these initiatives, bringing its expertise in federated data spaces, local flexibility markets, and demand-side engagement to the cluster.
Why This Matters for OPENTUNITY
Joining the Energy Nexus Cluster marks a strategic step forward for OPENTUNITY. It strengthens our engagement with other key players in the European innovation landscape and:
- Amplifies the visibility and impact of our work across the EU energy research community.
- Enables synergies in areas such as standardisation, digitalisation, and flexibility market design.
- Facilitates collaborative opportunities for joint events, deliverable alignment, and policy dialogue.
- Ensures that the outcomes and innovations of OPENTUNITY can both contribute to and benefit from broader discussions shaping Europe’s energy transition.
As we work to develop scalable solutions for interoperable data spaces, local flexibility markets, and end-user empowerment, OPENTUNITY is proud to collaborate with likeminded projects through the Energy Nexus Cluster. Together, we’re building the future of Europe’s smart, green, and resilient energy system.
If you want to learn more about the Energy Nexus Cluster or join us in this collaborative group, you can find more information here: https://glocalflex.eu/energy-nexus/
OPENTUNITY at ECESCON 16: Engaging Next Generations of Engineers
From April 25–27, 2025, IPTO, one of the key partners of the OPENTUNITY project, took part in the 16th Electrical and Computer Engineering Student Conference (ECESCON) held in Thessaloniki, Greece. During the event, IPTO had the opportunity to introduce the OPENTUNITY project to a vibrant and dynamic audience of engineering students, presenting its goals, innovations, and potential impact on the future of the energy system.
ECESCON is the largest student-led conference in the field of electrical and computer engineering in Greece. Since its inception in 2007, it has become a well-established platform for sharing technological advancements, encouraging networking among students and professionals, and fostering the spirit of innovation. Organized annually by and for students, the conference travels to different cities across the country and attracts participants from all Greek engineering departments.
The conference offered a wide range of activities including lectures, workshops, research paper presentations, competitions, and career events.
As part of OPENTUNITY’s commitment to capacity building, education, and youth engagement, IPTO’s presence at ECESCON aimed to inspire the next generation of engineers and raise awareness of the importance of digitalisation, data exchange, and flexibility in the future energy system. Students learned how OPENTUNITY’s innovative tools—such as federated data exchange infrastructure and smart grid-user cooperation models—can help accelerate Europe’s green and digital energy transition.
OPENTUNITY’s participation also aligns with ECESCON’s broader objectives:
- Promoting collaboration between students, researchers, and industry professionals.
- Highlighting emerging technologies in critical areas such as flexibility, energy data, and smart grid management.
- Encouraging diversity in engineering and creating more inclusive learning spaces.
By joining events like ECESCON, OPENTUNITY continues to strengthen its links with academia and future talent, helping ensure the energy systems of tomorrow are shaped by innovative, well-informed, and engaged professionals.
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! 🚀
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!
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.
Meeting OPENTUNITY at ENLIT 2023
Meeting OPENTUNITY at ENLIT 2023
02/10/2023
Are you planning to attend the Enlit Europe 2023 Conference? If so, don’t miss the opportunity to connect with the OPENTUNITY team at the EU Projects Zone of Enlit Europe Conference, scheduled for November 28-30 in Paris, as well as during the Hub sessions!
During the three-day event, visitors can visit OPENTUNITY at booth 7.2.H80-16. Moreover, OPENTUNITY’s project coordinator will be presenting the goals, benefits, and impact of the project as part of a special session highlighting the newly launched Horizon Europe projects within the BRIDGE initiative.
Enlit serves as a prestigious energy forum that brings industries together, ignites actionable insights, and contributes to the transformation of Europe’s energy landscape into a decarbonized and digitalized system for the energy transition. The forum covers a wide spectrum of topics in the energy agenda, ranging from decarbonizing industries and transportation to power generation and energy storage.
This gathering is set to take place at the Paris Expo Porte de Versailles and anticipates the participation of 12,000 attendees, more than 700 international exhibitors, and over 500 speakers. The event will also feature an EU Projects Zone, where various Horizon Energy and LIFE CET projects managed by CINEA will be showcased.