flexibility energy market
OPENTUNITY’s 7th General Assembly in Oslo: A Step Forward in Energy Innovation
From June 11th to 12th, the OPENTUNITY consortium gathered in Oslo, Norway, for the 7th General Assembly — a key milestone to align on progress, refine technical strategies, and plan the path ahead. Hosted by project partner NODES, the meeting brought together all 21 partners for two days of in-depth discussions, hands-on collaboration, and stakeholder engagement.
Progress Across Pilot Sites
The meeting began with dedicated sessions from each of the four pilot sites — Slovenia, Greece, Spain, and Switzerland — where partners shared updates on citizen engagement actions, ongoing deployments, and the first insights from testing OPENTUNITY’s innovative tools.
From Slovenia, the University of Ljubljana highlighted ongoing smart energy management testing and their integration of HEMS and EV charging infrastructure. Greek partners HEDNO and IPTO reported progress in preparing the Mesogia region for flexibility trials. In Spain, ANELL and IMPULSA shared insights from the dual pilot zones in Santa Eulalia and Bigues i Riells, while Swiss partner AEM emphasized the role of local consumers in their urban pilot in Massagno.
Technical partners also presented the current status of test cases, showcasing how various OPENTUNITY tools — such as state estimation, flexibility forecasting, and interoperability modules — are coming together for real-world application.
Workshop with External DSOs and Flexibility Players
A highlight of the Oslo meeting was the External Workshop hosted on June 11th, which welcomed stakeholders from across the energy flexibility landscape. This interactive session aimed to connect OPENTUNITY’s research with real-world market experiences and featured contributions from:
- Flexia Consulting, who walked participants through the creation and scaling of the Swedish flexibility market Effekthandel Väst.
- Glitre Nett, who shared their day-to-day experience purchasing flexibility and integrating it into grid operations.
- Neowatt, an aggregator, who offered insights into the challenges and best practices from their role in enabling flexibility.
- Fingrid and Helen, who showcased coordination strategies between TSO and DSO levels through the Finnish FinFlex initiative.
This workshop proved invaluable in bridging the gap between research and market deployment, aligning well with OPENTUNITY’s vision to create scalable, interoperable, and user-focused solutions for the electricity ecosystem.
Next Steps for the Consortium
With the first project review successfully behind, partners are now focused on accelerating developments and preparing for field demonstrations. Key action points include:
- Finalizing technical deliverables for WP3 (Flexibility Solutions), WP4 (Grid Tools), and WP5 (Interoperability).
- Completing the definition of test cases with each pilot to ensure consistent validation across regions.
- Supporting pilot sites in deploying tools and engaging local citizens, ensuring communities are at the center of the transition.
- Advancing knowledge transfer and dissemination activities — including the upcoming submission of deliverables D8.3 and D8.5, and the creation of a collaborative video showcasing the full consortium.
- Each partner was also encouraged to revisit their exploitation strategies and explore opportunities for formal collaborations through MoUs (Memorandums of Understanding).
With strong momentum, OPENTUNITY continues to move from innovation to implementation — transforming flexibility, grid management, interoperability, and data exchange into actionable tools across Europe. The Oslo meeting reaffirmed our shared mission and strengthened the collaboration needed to deliver on the promise of a more flexible, resilient, and inclusive energy future.
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 and the Rise of AI in Energy
A new report by the International Energy Agency (IEA), titled "Energy and AI", offers a comprehensive, data-driven analysis of how artificial intelligence (AI) is poised to reshape the global energy landscape. The report emphasizes both the transformative potential of AI and the energy challenges it may bring, particularly concerning the soaring electricity demand of data centers.
According to the IEA, the electricity demand from data centers could more than double by 2030, reaching 945 TWh—more than the current total electricity consumption of Japan. AI-optimized data centers are expected to account for the majority of this increase. In countries like the United States, data centers could drive nearly half of the projected electricity demand growth over the next five years.
Yet, while the rising energy consumption poses challenges, the report also highlights how AI can offer powerful solutions: reducing costs, enhancing system efficiency, increasing competitiveness, and lowering emissions. These insights align closely with OPENTUNITY’s mission.
What This Means for OPENTUNITY
The OPENTUNITY project is dedicated to designing and testing innovative energy solutions that promote digitalization, flexibility, and sustainability in the energy system. AI plays an increasingly important role in enabling smarter, data-driven decision-making across the energy value chain—from optimizing grid operations to empowering end-users to manage their consumption more efficiently.
Several OPENTUNITY innovations, such as federated data exchange frameworks, intelligent grid flexibility mechanisms, and user-centered energy management tools, are designed to not only accommodate but leverage AI technologies. As the IEA report points out, such technologies can help mitigate the growing demand of AI itself by improving the overall energy system’s efficiency and enabling cleaner energy integration.
Bridging Innovation and Infrastructure
A critical point in the IEA report is the urgent need for investment in generation and grid infrastructure to support AI’s rising electricity demand. This complements one of OPENTUNITY’s key areas of focus: enhancing grid flexibility and promoting better coordination between distribution system operators (DSOs), transmission system operators (TSOs), and end-users.
Through its pilot projects across Europe, including initiatives focused on smart grid management, local flexibility markets, and data sovereignty, OPENTUNITY directly contributes to the kind of systemic transformation the IEA envisions—where technology, policy, and infrastructure evolve together to unlock a sustainable energy future.
Looking Forward
The IEA also notes that the full potential of AI in the energy sector will require strong cooperation between policymakers, technology providers, and energy stakeholders. This spirit of collaboration is at the heart of the OPENTUNITY project, bringing together 21 partners from 9 countries to develop interoperable solutions that are scalable across Europe.
As AI becomes more deeply embedded in both scientific discovery and energy system operations, OPENTUNITY will continue to explore its role in accelerating clean energy innovation and ensuring that digital technologies remain aligned with Europe’s sustainability goals.
📄 Explore the full IEA report here: IEA Energy and AI Report
Want to learn how OPENTUNITY is preparing for an AI-driven energy future? Follow us for more updates.
Advancing Local Flexibility: Insights from OPENTUNITY’s Greek Pilot
As part of ongoing efforts to develop market-based mechanisms for local flexibility, HEDNO (DSO), IPTO (TSO), and NODES recently participated in an online interview with VITO, contributing their insights from the Local Flexibility Market (LFM) designed for the Greek Pilot within OPENTUNITY. This initiative is part of a broader study commissioned by the Directorate-General for Energy (DG ENER) to support the development of a European framework for demand response and flexibility markets.
The Role of DG ENER and VITO in Local Flexibility Markets
In accordance with Article 59(1)(e) of Regulation (EU) 2019/943, DG ENER is working on the establishment of a network code for demand response, which will set the rules, roles, and procedures for market-based procurement of flexibility services. To support this process, DG ENER has tasked VITO, a leading European research organization, with conducting a study on specification and design criteria for Local Flexibility Markets (LFMs).
The goal of this study is to identify best practices and design criteria tailored to different Member States, ensuring that LFMs contribute effectively to congestion management and other local grid services. Ultimately, the study will inform the upcoming demand response network code, helping to create a structured and scalable approach to flexibility procurement across the EU.
Greece’s Contribution to the Study
Recognized for its pioneering work on LFMs, Greece was invited to share insights from the flexibility market developed for the Greek Pilot in OPENTUNITY. As key stakeholders in this initiative, HEDNO, IPTO, and NODES participated in the study by:
- Completing a detailed questionnaire addressing various aspects of LFM design and operation.
- Engaging in a comprehensive interview with VITO’s research team to discuss key challenges and best practices.
The study focused on several critical areas, including:
- LFM Setup – Market structure, key stakeholders, coordination mechanisms, and platform development.
- Product Design – Flexibility products, bid formats, pricing schemes, and aggregation rules.
- Market Design – Prequalification, trading mechanisms, bid selection, and activation processes.
- Market Governance – DSO-TSO coordination, regulatory alignment, and data sharing.
- Performance Indicators – Market liquidity, traded flexibility volumes, transaction frequency, and cost-benefit analysis.
- Scalability & Lessons Learned – Success factors, challenges, and the potential for European harmonization.
By participating in this study, OPENTUNITY plays a vital role in shaping the future of LFMs in Europe, leveraging its experience in DSO-TSO coordination and flexibility procurement.
Towards a Unified European Approach to Flexibility Markets
The insights gathered from various LFM initiatives, including the Greek Pilot, will contribute to the design, implementation, and integration framework for local flexibility procurement. These findings will be shared in an upcoming workshop, facilitating further discussions and knowledge exchange among stakeholders.
Through its participation in this study, OPENTUNITY reaffirms its commitment to developing innovative flexibility solutions, supporting the EU’s vision for a more efficient, coordinated, and resilient electricity market.
Stay tuned for more updates on OPENTUNITY’s work in flexibility markets and local grid innovations! 🚀
Unlocking Demand-Side Flexibility
The Rise of Demand-Side Flexibility in Spain
The energy landscape in Spain is undergoing a significant transformation, driven by the increasing penetration of renewable energy and advancements in the legislative framework. As the country moves towards a more sustainable and efficient energy system, demand-side flexibility is emerging as a key enabler of grid stability and efficiency.
In a recent interview, Lidia Caba, Energy Retailer Director at Estabanell, discussed the growing importance of demand-side flexibility and its potential to reshape the energy market. They highlighted how this shift could empower consumers, enhance grid reliability, and optimize energy consumption.
Estabanell’s Commitment to Flexibility Through OPENTUNITY
One of the ways Estabanell is actively exploring demand-side flexibility is through its participation in OPENTUNITY, a European research project focused on developing interoperable and innovative solutions for smart grids. Within OPENTUNITY, Estabanell aims to test the use of flexibility by engaging residential customers in real-world scenarios, demonstrating how end-users can play a vital role in balancing the grid.
Through this initiative, Estabanell seeks to:
✔ Develop and test innovative demand-side response mechanisms.
✔ Collaborate with residential customers to optimize energy use.
✔ Contribute to the creation of standardized and scalable flexibility solutions.
Why Flexibility Matters
Flexibility is essential for a modern energy system, as it enables the grid to adapt to fluctuations in supply and demand. By integrating smart technologies, digital platforms, and real-time data analytics, OPENTUNITY and its partners—including Estabanell—are working towards a future where flexibility becomes a widespread and accessible tool for consumers and energy operators alike.
The ongoing advancements in Spain’s regulatory framework further support this transition, setting the stage for flexibility to become a standard practice in the country’s energy market. As these developments unfold, Estabanell is positioning itself as a key player in the flexibility ecosystem, ensuring that its customers benefit from new opportunities to optimize energy usage and contribute to grid stability.
Stay Tuned for More Updates
As OPENTUNITY progresses, Estabanell will continue to explore and test flexibility mechanisms within the project. These efforts will provide valuable insights into consumer engagement, market design, and technical implementation, paving the way for a more resilient and sustainable energy future.
🔗 Read more about the interview here: Full Article (Spanish)
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.
OPENTUNITY innovations at the EUSEW 2024
OPENTUNITY innovations at the EUSEW 2024
03/06/2024
The OPENTUNITY project will participate in the Energy Fair of the European Sustainable Energy Week (EUSEW 2024) in Brussels from June 11th to 13th. Visitors can meet the OPENTUNITY team and learn about their innovations at booth C-28, located on the ground floor of the Charlemagne building. The stand will be hosted by ETRA, the project coordinator, on the morning of June 11th.
The OPENTUNITY innovations aim to revolutionise the energy sector by fostering a digital ecosystem that enhances energy efficiency in electricity grids, benefiting active consumers of all scales while significantly reducing energy costs.
Visitors can explore OPENFLEX, a technology designed for prosumers, and discover how the project’s partners have defined the flexibility market conditions for each pilot where these markets will be tested. Currently, they are working on allowing flexibility optimization algorithms to be tailored to specific market conditions.
Additionally, visitors can learn about OPENGRID, a solution for grid operators. They can see how technical developers, DSOs, and TSOs are collaborating to process the data provided by grid operators. This preprocessing is essential for developing OPENTUNITY innovations and training certain models.
See you there!