flexibility energy market
OPENTUNITY puts its innovations to the test across four pilots
Over the past year, OPENTUNITY has moved from developing its innovations to putting them to the test in real distribution grids, households, and energy markets. Across four pilot sites in Greece, Slovenia, Spain, and Switzerland, the project deployed and demonstrated its full set of tools for grid operators, prosumers, and flexibility markets under operating conditions. Work package 6 (WP6), coordinated by the University of Ljubljana, marks the point where years of design and development met the complexity of the real world.
A coordinated, evidence-based demonstration
Demonstrating a large set of innovations across four countries required careful coordination. Building on the demonstration plan defined in the first phase of WP6, each pilot worked through a structured set of test cases, with progress tracked systematically across all sites through regular coordination meetings. A dedicated monitoring process kept close watch on the datasets flowing from pilot partners to the technology developers, ensuring that every tool had the data it needed to be tested properly. In total, more than fifty test cases were executed, each documented with concrete evidence of what was deployed, how it was demonstrated, and what the outcome was.
Connecting tools to real infrastructure
Turning a working prototype into a tool running on live infrastructure is not straightforward. Sensors had to be installed on transformers and power lines, data pipelines built between utility systems and the project's platforms, and software connected to everything from household heat pumps to EV charging stations. This integration effort, often the least visible part of a project, was essential groundwork that made the demonstrations possible. - UL, Work Package 6 coordinator.
Results from across the four pilots
Each pilot brought something distinct to the project. Here are a few highlights, with more detailed pilot-focused articles to follow in the coming months.
- In the Greek pilot, HEDNO and IPTO demonstrated a flexibility market on the NODES platform that coordinated needs between the transmission and distribution operators, alongside a transformer health-monitoring tool that flagged real anomalies across high-voltage assets.
- In the Swiss pilot, AEM and its partners ran a local flexibility market for an energy community in Massagno that operated continuously and autonomously across 49 trading days, matching bids and dispatching real assets without manual intervention.
- In the Spanish pilot, ANELL operated a real-time thermal rating tool live on a 40 kV overhead line for roughly ten months, while a state estimation tool gave the operator visibility into low-voltage grids that are normally difficult to observe, reaching voltage estimation with very high accuracy.
- In the Slovenian pilot, smart charging of a shared EV fleet cut the gap to optimal charging cost by more than half in two months of real operation, while a network planning tool showed that even modest flexibility could defer grid reinforcement investments by several years.
What comes next
These demonstrations provide the evidence base for the next phase of the project, where OPENTUNITY will formally assess the impact of its innovations against the project's targets. In the meantime, watch this space for upcoming articles taking a closer look at each pilot and what it achieved.
Putting Flexibility to the Test: New Progress from OPENTUNITY’s Spanish Pilot
As OPENTUNITY moves into the final phase of the project, its Spanish pilot is progressing from technology validation towards real-world demonstration. In recent months, Estabanell, ETRA and Hypertech have been working together to validate the project’s solutions with distribution teams and to test flexibility activation in the pilot environment.
These activities are providing valuable feedback on both the technical performance of the solutions and their potential use in day-to-day grid operation.
Validating OPENTUNITY tools with distribution teams
As part of the pilot activities, Estabanell recently completed a series of internal presentations of ETER and the ICCS tools with the Distribution System Operator’s operations teams. The sessions provided an opportunity to introduce the technologies to potential end users, demonstrate their functionalities and collect feedback based on their operational experience.
Overall, the feedback was positive, with particular interest in three functionalities that are currently not covered by Estabanell’s existing applications. These include capabilities offered by both ETER and the ICCS tools.
One of the aspects that attracted most attention was ETER’s ability to bring together different data sources in a single environment. By combining real-time information from medium- and low-voltage networks with state estimation algorithms, ETER’s digital twin can provide enhanced observability of the distribution grid.
The teams also highlighted the potential of ETER to support scenario analysis and operational planning. The tool can be used to explore how future changes in grid operation could affect power flows, as well as to assess how the availability of flexibility could help alleviate potential congestion.
Another area of interest was the advanced asset management tool developed by ICCS, particularly its potential to support decisions when purchasing new smart meters by providing additional information on their expected reliability and performance.
The sessions also identified aspects of the solutions that still require further refinement. This feedback will be used by the project partners to improve the tools and strengthen the user experience ahead of the next stages of the pilot.
Moving towards real flexibility activation
Alongside the validation of the technologies with distribution teams, the Spanish pilot has also taken an important step towards demonstrating flexibility in practice.
During the last weeks of July, ETRA, Estabanell and Hypertech carried out the flexibility activation tests planned for the pilot. The activities will continue throughout August, allowing the partners to further assess the performance of the solution and prepare for the next stages of the demonstration.
An encouraging result from the tests carried out so far is that flexibility activations have taken place without users noticing any impact on their service or comfort. This is an important aspect of the demonstration, showing how flexibility can be activated to support the electricity system while maintaining a seamless experience for end users.
The ongoing tests will provide further insights into how the different components developed within OPENTUNITY work together in a real pilot environment. Once the pilot is completed, the partners will analyse the results and share the main conclusions and lessons learned.
From technology validation to real-world demonstration
The latest activities mark an important transition for the Spanish pilot. By combining feedback from distribution professionals with practical flexibility activation tests, OPENTUNITY is moving beyond the development of individual technologies towards integrated, real-world validation.
The coming months will focus on completing the remaining demonstrations and analysing the results, helping the project assess how its solutions can contribute to more observable, flexible and efficient distribution grids while keeping end users at the centre.
OPENTUNITY Showcased Flexible Energy Solutions at Power2Drive Europe 2026
From 22 to 25 June 2026, the OPENTUNITY project was represented at Power2Drive Europe, Europe's leading exhibition for charging infrastructure and electric mobility, held as part of The smarter E Europe in Munich, Germany.
Project partner Hive Power presented OPENTUNITY's work to an international audience of energy professionals, highlighting how the project is helping build a more flexible, interoperable and user-centric energy ecosystem for Europe's electricity grids.
Strong interest from the e-mobility sector
Power2Drive brought together key players from across the electric mobility value chain, providing an ideal setting to discuss the role of flexibility in future energy systems.
According to Hive Power, the greatest interest came from charge point operators and fleet managers, who
were particularly interested in understanding how smart charging and Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) technologies can unlock flexibility services while making better use of existing charging infrastructure.
The project's interoperability approach also attracted considerable attention. Many visitors recognised the need for solutions capable of connecting different platforms and technologies, rather than introducing additional complexity into an already fragmented ecosystem.
Discussions focused on flexibility and market value
Throughout the event, conversations frequently centred on two key topics that are also at the heart of OPENTUNITY.
The first concerned the assessment of flexibility available from electric vehicles and battery storage systems, and how these distributed resources can actively contribute to demand response programmes and grid services.
The second focused on the business perspective, exploring how the value created through flexibility services can be fairly distributed among prosumers, aggregators and grid operators, an essential aspect for accelerating the adoption of flexibility markets across Europe.
Within OPENTUNITY, Hive Power contributes to these challenges by developing solutions to estimate flexibility from EVs and battery storage while optimising demand response actions through interoperable software integrated into the project's wider flexibility ecosystem.
Creating opportunities beyond the exhibition
Participation in Power2Drive also opened the door to new collaborations. Hive Power established several promising contacts with fleet operators and managers, with follow-up meetings already scheduled to explore how electric vehicle fleets could participate in future flexibility markets.
These discussions demonstrate the growing interest in practical flexibility solutions and reinforce the relevance of OPENTUNITY's work in supporting Europe's transition towards a smarter, more resilient and consumer-centred energy system.
JOANNEUM RESEARCH Presents Carsharing Flexibility at STS Conference Graz
Between May 4 and 6, 2026, our partner JOANNEUM RESEARCH (JR) represented the OPENTUNITY project at the STS Conference Graz 2026 in Austria. Organized by the Graz University of Technology, this event is a cornerstone for the scientific community to discuss the intersections of Science, Technology, and Society.
The Focus: Can Carsharing Support Grid Flexibility?
The core of JR’s participation was the presentation of their latest research titled: “Shared cars, flexible charging: When cost savings meet additional effort”. The study addresses a fundamental challenge in the energy transition: how to manage the volatility of renewable energy by utilizing the inherent flexibility of electric vehicles (EVs).
The research specifically explores whether integrating flexibility into a carsharing business model (such as the one operated by our partner Avant car in Slovenia) is viable from both a technical and social perspective.
Key Insights: Flex On-the-Go vs. Flex at Home
The study, based on a survey of over 950 Avant car customers, analyzed two main scenarios for flexible charging:
- Flex on-the-go: Charging the rented vehicle at suggested points during the trip to support the grid.
- Flex at home: Taking the rented vehicle home and allowing it to be charged flexibly overnight.
The findings were revealing:
- Motivation: Cost savings remain the primary driver for users (over 85% interest), followed by a desire to support sustainability and the energy transition.
- Barriers: For many users, the "additional effort" is a significant hurdle. Many feel that since they are paying for a mobility service, they do not want the extra complexity of managing charging schedules.
- Feasibility: The research suggests there is no "quick win," but flexibility models can succeed if cost savings are high enough and the additional effort for the user is kept to an absolute minimum.
Scientific Exchange and Future Outlook
For the OPENTUNITY project, participating in the STS Conference was a "great opportunity for exchange between applied research and colleagues with a more academic approach". This collaboration with Avant car allowed the team to access real-world field data, reducing sampling bias and ensuring that the project's innovations are grounded in actual user behavior.
By exploring these social and technical boundaries, OPENTUNITY continues to pave the way for a more integrated and decarbonized European electricity ecosystem.
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Resources for Download
You can access the full technical details and the results presented at the conference through the following links:
📥 [Download the Presentation Slides] (PDF)
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: