BeFlexible at EUSEW 2024 | Understanding Customer Roles in Power Systems

Join us for the policy session at EUSEW on June 13th, from 11:30 to 13:00 CEST

BeFlexible is organizing and participating in policy sessions at the European Sustainable Energy Week (EUSEW 2024), alongside esteemed partners. This 18th edition of the Policy Conference will occur in a hybrid format in Brussels and online from June 11th to 13th, 2024. EUSEW, organized by the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Energy, stands as a pivotal annual event promoting sustainable energy policies and practices at the European level. As the largest conference dedicated to renewables and efficient energy use in Europe, it gathers industry experts to explore this year’s theme, “Net-zero competitiveness driving EU energy transition,” fostering dialogue and collaboration among stakeholders driving sustainable energy initiatives across Europe.

“What about flexibility? How customers can improve power systems”

Mark your calendars for June 13, 2024, from 11:30 to 13:00 CEST.

EUSEW 2024

Panel 1: Unlocking Local Flexibility Potential: Are Customers Ready to Embrace Innovation?

The panel aims to create a discussion by focusing on several interconnected objectives. Firstly, it will emphasize the pivotal role of local flexibility platforms, which serve as crucial infrastructures for enabling efficient energy management. Secondly, it will explore the opportunities presented by EU-funded cluster projects, demonstrating how collaboration and resource allocation can drive innovation in sustainable energy solutions.

Additionally, the panel will address regulatory challenges that may hinder progress in achieving decarbonization goals, particularly concerning low voltage grid bottlenecks. By tackling these obstacles, the panel seeks to pave the way for smoother transitions towards cleaner energy systems. Moreover, discussions will revolve around the importance of fostering long-term customer engagement and incentivizing flexibility in energy consumption behaviors. This involves providing consumers with adequate information and promoting energy literacy to empower them to make informed choices.

Agenda

Moderated by Ms. Tzeni Varfi, Deputy to Secretary General, E.DSO.

  • Mr. Veli-Pekka Saajo, Chair of Distribution Systems working group, Council of European Energy Regulators (CEER).
  • Mr. Fernando David Martin Utrilla, DSO role in Spain i-DE (Iberdrola group), Project coordinator BeFlexible project.
  • Mr. Tomi Medved, Head of the Laboratory of Energy Policy (UL) University of Ljubljana, Project coordinator STREAM project.
  • Ms. Katerina Drivakou, Energy Systems Researcher, UBITECH ENERGY, Project technical coordinator ENFLATE project.
  • Mr. Josh Roberts, Senior Policy Advisor REScoop.eu.
  • Ms. Rose Matthews, Behavioral Scientist for community engagement, Smart Innovation Norway.

Panel 2: Scaling Demand Response in Europe: Lessons Learned from Field-Proven Solutions

The panel aims to provide a coherent and comprehensive discussion centered on several key objectives. Firstly, it will describe the significant role that Demand Response (DR) plays in actively contributing to the attainment of EU net-zero objectives. Through illustrative examples and case studies, the panel will highlight best practices gleaned from DR pilots, innovative initiatives, and successful local deployments. These insights will underscore the readiness of these solutions to be extended at scale, benefiting both European consumers and power systems alike.

Furthermore, the panel will address the critical obstacles that still impede the widespread roll-out of DR initiatives in the Residential and Commercial & Industrial sectors across Europe. By acknowledging and understanding these challenges, the discussion aims to foster strategies for overcoming them effectively.

Lastly, the panel will emphasize the key enablers necessary to facilitate investment and encourage widespread consumer adoption of DR solutions at scale. Drawing from the success stories of previous pilots, the panel will identify actionable insights and strategies to promote consumer engagement and streamline the integration of DR into energy systems across Europe. Through this multifaceted approach, the panel endeavors to provide valuable lessons learned and actionable recommendations for scaling Demand Response initiatives effectively throughout Europe.

Agenda

Moderated by Ms. Marion Malafosse, Head of Policy, SmartEn.

  • Mr. Thomas Bobinger, Policy Officer EU Internal Market, Federation of German Consumer Organisations, VZBV.
  • Mr. Sebastien Condom, Head of International business, Voltalis.
  • Ms. Lindsay Sugden, Regional Manager, International Affairs, NIBE.
  • Mr. Charles Verhaeghe, Vice President Energy, Compass Lexecon.
  • Ms. Olivia Sicurani, Strategy & Innovation Director, Sympower.

Keen to participate in the dialogue shaping the future of power systems? Register for EUSEW 2024 here.

Join us for the policy session at EUSEW on June 13th, from 11:30 to 13:00 CEST

BeFlexible is organizing and participating in policy sessions at the European Sustainable Energy Week (EUSEW 2024), alongside esteemed partners. This 18th edition of the Policy Conference will occur in a hybrid format in Brussels and online from June 11th to 13th, 2024. EUSEW, organized by the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Energy, stands as a pivotal annual event promoting sustainable energy policies and practices at the European level. As the largest conference dedicated to renewables and efficient energy use in Europe, it gathers industry experts to explore this year’s theme, “Net-zero competitiveness driving EU energy transition,” fostering dialogue and collaboration among stakeholders driving sustainable energy initiatives across Europe.

“What about flexibility? How customers can improve power systems”

Mark your calendars for June 13, 2024, from 11:30 to 13:00 CEST.

EUSEW 2024

Panel 1: Unlocking Local Flexibility Potential: Are Customers Ready to Embrace Innovation?

The panel aims to create a discussion by focusing on several interconnected objectives. Firstly, it will emphasize the pivotal role of local flexibility platforms, which serve as crucial infrastructures for enabling efficient energy management. Secondly, it will explore the opportunities presented by EU-funded cluster projects, demonstrating how collaboration and resource allocation can drive innovation in sustainable energy solutions.

Additionally, the panel will address regulatory challenges that may hinder progress in achieving decarbonization goals, particularly concerning low voltage grid bottlenecks. By tackling these obstacles, the panel seeks to pave the way for smoother transitions towards cleaner energy systems. Moreover, discussions will revolve around the importance of fostering long-term customer engagement and incentivizing flexibility in energy consumption behaviors. This involves providing consumers with adequate information and promoting energy literacy to empower them to make informed choices.

Agenda

Moderated by Ms. Tzeni Varfi, Deputy to Secretary General, E.DSO.

  • Mr. Veli-Pekka Saajo, Chair of Distribution Systems working group, Council of European Energy Regulators (CEER).
  • Mr. Fernando David Martin Utrilla, DSO role in Spain i-DE (Iberdrola group), Project coordinator BeFlexible project.
  • Mr. Tomi Medved, Head of the Laboratory of Energy Policy (UL) University of Ljubljana, Project coordinator STREAM project.
  • Ms. Katerina Drivakou, Energy Systems Researcher, UBITECH ENERGY, Project technical coordinator ENFLATE project.
  • Mr. Josh Roberts, Senior Policy Advisor REScoop.eu.
  • Ms. Rose Matthews, Behavioral Scientist for community engagement, Smart Innovation Norway.

Panel 2: Scaling Demand Response in Europe: Lessons Learned from Field-Proven Solutions

The panel aims to provide a coherent and comprehensive discussion centered on several key objectives. Firstly, it will describe the significant role that Demand Response (DR) plays in actively contributing to the attainment of EU net-zero objectives. Through illustrative examples and case studies, the panel will highlight best practices gleaned from DR pilots, innovative initiatives, and successful local deployments. These insights will underscore the readiness of these solutions to be extended at scale, benefiting both European consumers and power systems alike.

Furthermore, the panel will address the critical obstacles that still impede the widespread roll-out of DR initiatives in the Residential and Commercial & Industrial sectors across Europe. By acknowledging and understanding these challenges, the discussion aims to foster strategies for overcoming them effectively.

Lastly, the panel will emphasize the key enablers necessary to facilitate investment and encourage widespread consumer adoption of DR solutions at scale. Drawing from the success stories of previous pilots, the panel will identify actionable insights and strategies to promote consumer engagement and streamline the integration of DR into energy systems across Europe. Through this multifaceted approach, the panel endeavors to provide valuable lessons learned and actionable recommendations for scaling Demand Response initiatives effectively throughout Europe.

Agenda

Moderated by Ms. Marion Malafosse, Head of Policy, SmartEn.

  • Mr. Thomas Bobinger, Policy Officer EU Internal Market, Federation of German Consumer Organisations, VZBV.
  • Mr. Sebastien Condom, Head of International business, Voltalis.
  • Ms. Lindsay Sugden, Regional Manager, International Affairs, NIBE.
  • Mr. Charles Verhaeghe, Vice President Energy, Compass Lexecon.
  • Ms. Olivia Sicurani, Strategy & Innovation Director, Sympower.

Keen to participate in the dialogue shaping the future of power systems? Register for EUSEW 2024 here.

BRIDGE General Assembly 2024: A convergence of energy innovation

The annual BRIDGE General Assembly, held both in Brussels and virtually on March 9th and 10th, 2024, brought together a diverse group of stakeholders, including researchers, industry representatives and policymakers. With a total of 190 projects (174 ongoing), the assembly served as a pivotal platform for discussing the latest developments in the energy landscape and fostering the creation of a sustainable, secure, affordable, and efficient energy system.

The BeFlexible project actively participated as part of the BRIDGE Initiative. Onsite representation included Santiago Gallego from Iberdrola (Working Group on Regulation) and Minna Kuivalainen from Smart Innovation Norway (Working Group on Consumer and Citizen Engagement). Additionally, online participation extended to the Business Models and Data Management working groups.

BRIDGE aims to provide a structured approach to address cross-cutting issues encountered in demonstration projects, which may impede innovation. The BRIDGE process facilitates continuous knowledge sharing among projects, enabling them to collectively deliver conclusions and recommendations for the future exploitation of project results.

Bridge General Assembly 2024

Key Outcomes from the BRIDGE General Assembly

The BRIDGE General Assembly featured informative sessions and engaging discussions.

During the first day, attendees convened for a plenary session, where the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Energy (DG Energy) covered various topics, including policy updates on the EU Action Plan for Grids, Network Code on Demand Response, and Net Zero Industry Act. Participants also learned about completed BRIDGE projects (Platone, OneNet, Trinity, X-Flex, EUniversal, ebalance-plus) and other relevant initiatives like ETIP SNET, ISGAN, and European Commission international engagements.

The second day focused on policy updates shared by the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Communications Networks, Content and Technology (DG Connect) on the Data Act and AI Innovation Package, with DG Energy providing insights on the SET Plan. The day predominantly centered on collaborative work within the different working groups.

BRIDGE Working Groups Progress

During the BRIDGE General Assembly, significant progress was made across various working groups:

Working Group on Regulation:

Discussions surrounding energy storage underscored the need for a regulatory framework that delineates clear rules and responsibilities concerning ownership, competition, technical modalities, and financial conditions, applicable to both island and mainland contexts. Similarly, deliberations on smart grids highlighted regulatory challenges pertaining to incentives for demand-side response, commercial arrangements, collaboration with Transmission System Operators (TSO) and Distribution System Operators (DSO), smart meter data, and more.

Working Group on Business Models:

This group concentrated on establishing common language and frameworks for describing and evaluating business models. They also focused on identifying and assessing existing as well as innovative business models demonstrated within projects or use cases. Notably, efforts are underway to develop and test a simulation tool that facilitates the comparison of the profitability of various business models applicable to smart grids and energy storage solutions.

Working Group on Data Management:

Encompassing both technical and non-technical aspects, discussions within this group revolved around communication infrastructure necessary for data exchange, cybersecurity, data privacy, data handling frameworks, and related roles and responsibilities. Emphasis was placed on ensuring secure and interoperable data exchange, alongside the utilization of data analytics techniques for processing.

Working Group on Consumer and Citizen Engagement:

This group delved into various aspects of consumer and citizen engagement, including segmentation analysis considering cultural, geographical, and social dimensions, understanding customer value systems, drivers for engagement, effectiveness of engagement activities, and identification of triggers for behavioral changes, such as incentives. Furthermore, discussions centered on regulatory innovations aimed at empowering consumers.

Bridge General Assembly 2024- Working Groups achievements

Overall, the BRIDGE General Assembly provided an exceptional opportunity for stakeholders to converge, exchange ideas and best practices, and collaborate towards the common goal of creating a sustainable and efficient energy system. The assembly underscored the significance of collaboration and cross-sectoral engagement in achieving this collective objective.