News archivos - BeFlexible

August 27, 2026

Technology powering flexibility: BeFlexible presents its final Technology Booklet

After four years of developing, testing and validating flexibility solutions across Europe, BeFlexible brings together its key technological outcomes in a single publication: the BeFlexible Technology Booklet.

The BeFlexible Technology Booklet publication provides a practical overview of the main technologies, digital platforms, operational tools and integrated solutions developed, adapted or validated within the project. It is designed as a practical entry point for DSOs, TSOs, aggregators, technology providers, researchers, regulators and potential adopters seeking to understand what each solution does, how it fits within the wider flexibility ecosystem, where it was demonstrated and what value it can provide.

The solutions presented in this booklet form part of the broader body of knowledge generated by BeFlexible throughout the project. Rather than presenting flexibility as a single technology, it reflects BeFlexible’s integrated approach: a combination of digital infrastructures, market mechanisms, grid-management tools and flexible resources working together across the energy value chain.

Explore the booklet and discover the technologies helping turn energy flexibility into practice!

Click here to dowload

The BeFlexible technology ecosystem

BeFlexible validated flexibility as an end-to-end ecosystem: physical assets and customers are connected through control and aggregation layers to grid-management systems and energy markets, with a common data layer supporting interoperability. The ecosystem starts with flexible resources such as battery energy storage systems, combined heat and power units, heat pumps, electric storage water heaters, electricvehicle charging infrastructure, local generation and controllable building loads.

Local controllers and energy management systems convert the technical capability of these resources into measurable, schedulable and controllable flexibility. Aggregation and optimisation solutions then combine individual resources into portfolios that can respond to network or market needs. Virtual power plants, control algorithms and aggregated service platforms forecast availability, optimise dispatch and support participation in local flexibility and balancing markets.

Three demonstration environments provided complementary perspectives. The South-Mid Europe demo concentrated on DSO–TSO coordination, grid observability and controllability, and the electrical flexibility potential of water networks assets. The North Europe demo focused on scaling local flexibility markets, integrating flexible resources and demonstrating aggregated services. The South-West Europe demo validated an end-to-end ecosystem across Spain and France, combining customer-centric, gridcentric and cross-sector services.

Explore our pilots

Flexibility does not scale through one technology alone

The central lesson is that flexibility does not scale through one technology alone. It requires clear and stable rules, incentives across the value chain, robust tools and mechanisms, and solutions that minimise effort and uncertainty for customers. The three demonstrations show how these elements can be combined in different regional and operational contexts.

The booklet therefore presents BeFlexible not as a catalogue of isolated prototypes, but as a set of interoperable building blocks. Their future value lies in how they can be selected, integrated and adapted to specific network needs, market arrangements and consumer contexts. Together, they provide a practical foundation for DSOs, TSOs, aggregators, service providers and communities seeking to make flexibility an operational part of Europe’s energy transition.

After four years of developing, testing and validating flexibility solutions across Europe, BeFlexible brings together its key technological outcomes in a single publication: the BeFlexible Technology Booklet.

The BeFlexible Technology Booklet publication provides a practical overview of the main technologies, digital platforms, operational tools and integrated solutions developed, adapted or validated within the project. It is designed as a practical entry point for DSOs, TSOs, aggregators, technology providers, researchers, regulators and potential adopters seeking to understand what each solution does, how it fits within the wider flexibility ecosystem, where it was demonstrated and what value it can provide.

The solutions presented in this booklet form part of the broader body of knowledge generated by BeFlexible throughout the project. Rather than presenting flexibility as a single technology, it reflects BeFlexible’s integrated approach: a combination of digital infrastructures, market mechanisms, grid-management tools and flexible resources working together across the energy value chain.

Explore the booklet and discover the technologies helping turn energy flexibility into practice!

Click here to dowload

The BeFlexible technology ecosystem

BeFlexible validated flexibility as an end-to-end ecosystem: physical assets and customers are connected through control and aggregation layers to grid-management systems and energy markets, with a common data layer supporting interoperability. The ecosystem starts with flexible resources such as battery energy storage systems, combined heat and power units, heat pumps, electric storage water heaters, electricvehicle charging infrastructure, local generation and controllable building loads.

Local controllers and energy management systems convert the technical capability of these resources into measurable, schedulable and controllable flexibility. Aggregation and optimisation solutions then combine individual resources into portfolios that can respond to network or market needs. Virtual power plants, control algorithms and aggregated service platforms forecast availability, optimise dispatch and support participation in local flexibility and balancing markets.

Three demonstration environments provided complementary perspectives. The South-Mid Europe demo concentrated on DSO–TSO coordination, grid observability and controllability, and the electrical flexibility potential of water networks assets. The North Europe demo focused on scaling local flexibility markets, integrating flexible resources and demonstrating aggregated services. The South-West Europe demo validated an end-to-end ecosystem across Spain and France, combining customer-centric, gridcentric and cross-sector services.

Explore our pilots

Flexibility does not scale through one technology alone

The central lesson is that flexibility does not scale through one technology alone. It requires clear and stable rules, incentives across the value chain, robust tools and mechanisms, and solutions that minimise effort and uncertainty for customers. The three demonstrations show how these elements can be combined in different regional and operational contexts.

The booklet therefore presents BeFlexible not as a catalogue of isolated prototypes, but as a set of interoperable building blocks. Their future value lies in how they can be selected, integrated and adapted to specific network needs, market arrangements and consumer contexts. Together, they provide a practical foundation for DSOs, TSOs, aggregators, service providers and communities seeking to make flexibility an operational part of Europe’s energy transition.

August 26, 2026

BeFlexible shares its digital solutions for grid flexibility at the Energy Nexus Cluster Workshop

BeFlexible was delighted to join the Energy Nexus Cluster workshop in Brussels to share how its digital solutions can help accelerate the deployment of grid flexibility, while exchanging experiences and creating synergies with other EU-funded energy projects.

On 8 June 2026, BeFlexible participated in the Energy Nexus Cluster workshop “Synergies for a Resilient & Flexible Energy System”, held in Brussels and online. The event brought together EU-funded projects working on energy flexibility, demand-side management and the integration of renewable and distributed energy resources, creating a space to share results, discuss common challenges and identify opportunities for collaboration.

BeFlexible was represented by Ricardo Bessa, from INESC TEC, who presented “Accelerating grid flexibility through industrialized BeFlexible digital services”. His intervention highlighted how some of the digital solutions developed and demonstrated within BeFlexible can support the wider deployment of flexibility services across Europe.

The presentation introduced the Grid Data and Business Network (GDBN) as an interoperable environment designed to connect flexibility actors across the value chain and facilitate processes such as flexibility procurement, activation and settlement. Ricardo also presented BeFlexible’s work on grid segmentation, aimed at supporting scalable flexibility procurement and congestion management, and on energy communities as natural aggregators, able to combine distributed and cross-sector assets and participate in local flexibility markets.

These examples illustrate one of the central ambitions of BeFlexible: moving from individual flexibility solutions towards an integrated ecosystem of digital services that can facilitate their practical implementation and replication.

The workshop featured contributions from several Energy Nexus projects and combined project presentations, Q&A sessions and networking opportunities, encouraging an open exchange of experiences and results among researchers, technology providers and other actors from across the European energy ecosystem.

Watch the recording of Ricardo Bessa’s presentation below and discover BeFlexible’s contribution to the workshop.

BeFlexible and the Energy Nexus Cluster

The Energy Nexus Cluster is a collaborative platform bringing together 15 EU-funded projects active across the energy sector. Led by the GLocalFlex project, the initiative provides a shared space for research organisations, technology providers and industry actors to exchange knowledge, coordinate activities and strengthen the collective impact of European research and innovation.

For BeFlexible, being part of the Energy Nexus Cluster has been a particularly valuable experience throughout the project. The exchanges with other initiatives working towards similar objectives have provided opportunities to share lessons learned, explore synergies, discuss common challenges and increase the visibility and impact of our collective work on energy flexibility. One of the highlights of this collaboration was the joint participation at Enlit Europe 2025 in Bilbao, where the cluster hosted a dedicated stand, organised several sessions and provided a valuable opportunity for the participating projects to present their work, exchange perspectives and share experiences with one another, while strengthening connections with the wider European energy community.

As BeFlexible approaches the end of its journey, we are grateful to have been part of this collaborative community. It has been both a pleasure and an enriching experience to work alongside projects contributing, from different perspectives, to a more flexible, resilient and integrated European energy system.

BeFlexible was delighted to join the Energy Nexus Cluster workshop in Brussels to share how its digital solutions can help accelerate the deployment of grid flexibility, while exchanging experiences and creating synergies with other EU-funded energy projects.

On 8 June 2026, BeFlexible participated in the Energy Nexus Cluster workshop “Synergies for a Resilient & Flexible Energy System”, held in Brussels and online. The event brought together EU-funded projects working on energy flexibility, demand-side management and the integration of renewable and distributed energy resources, creating a space to share results, discuss common challenges and identify opportunities for collaboration.

BeFlexible was represented by Ricardo Bessa, from INESC TEC, who presented “Accelerating grid flexibility through industrialized BeFlexible digital services”. His intervention highlighted how some of the digital solutions developed and demonstrated within BeFlexible can support the wider deployment of flexibility services across Europe.

The presentation introduced the Grid Data and Business Network (GDBN) as an interoperable environment designed to connect flexibility actors across the value chain and facilitate processes such as flexibility procurement, activation and settlement. Ricardo also presented BeFlexible’s work on grid segmentation, aimed at supporting scalable flexibility procurement and congestion management, and on energy communities as natural aggregators, able to combine distributed and cross-sector assets and participate in local flexibility markets.

These examples illustrate one of the central ambitions of BeFlexible: moving from individual flexibility solutions towards an integrated ecosystem of digital services that can facilitate their practical implementation and replication.

The workshop featured contributions from several Energy Nexus projects and combined project presentations, Q&A sessions and networking opportunities, encouraging an open exchange of experiences and results among researchers, technology providers and other actors from across the European energy ecosystem.

Watch the recording of Ricardo Bessa’s presentation below and discover BeFlexible’s contribution to the workshop.

BeFlexible and the Energy Nexus Cluster

The Energy Nexus Cluster is a collaborative platform bringing together 15 EU-funded projects active across the energy sector. Led by the GLocalFlex project, the initiative provides a shared space for research organisations, technology providers and industry actors to exchange knowledge, coordinate activities and strengthen the collective impact of European research and innovation.

For BeFlexible, being part of the Energy Nexus Cluster has been a particularly valuable experience throughout the project. The exchanges with other initiatives working towards similar objectives have provided opportunities to share lessons learned, explore synergies, discuss common challenges and increase the visibility and impact of our collective work on energy flexibility. One of the highlights of this collaboration was the joint participation at Enlit Europe 2025 in Bilbao, where the cluster hosted a dedicated stand, organised several sessions and provided a valuable opportunity for the participating projects to present their work, exchange perspectives and share experiences with one another, while strengthening connections with the wider European energy community.

As BeFlexible approaches the end of its journey, we are grateful to have been part of this collaborative community. It has been both a pleasure and an enriching experience to work alongside projects contributing, from different perspectives, to a more flexible, resilient and integrated European energy system.

August 24, 2026

BeFlexible in Enlit’s podcast: Moving flexibility to real world implementation

As BeFlexible reaches the end of its journey, this episode of Enlit’s podcast explores one of the key questions for Europe’s energy transition: how can flexibility move from successful demonstrations to real-world implementation at scale?

Energy flexibility has become an essential part of Europe’s transition towards a more renewable, electrified and decentralised energy system. Over the past years, European research and innovation projects have demonstrated its technical potential and tested new services, market models and digital solutions. The challenge now is ensuring that these solutions can move beyond pilots and become part of the everyday operation of Europe’s electricity system.

This is the focus of a new episode of the EU Energy Projects Podcast by Enlit, featuring José Pablo Chaves Ávila, Deputy Director for Research Development at the Institute for Research in Technology (IIT) of Comillas Pontifical University and BeFlexible partner, alongside Katerina Drivakou from the ENFLATE project.

Both projects have collaborated throughout the years and bring complementary perspectives to the discussion: BeFlexible addresses the regulatory strategies and market frameworks needed to enable flexibility procurement, while ENFLATE focuses particularly on engaging end users in flexibility provision.

You can listen to the full episode here:

Regulation: the engine behind flexibility

One of the main messages highlighted by José Pablo Chaves during the conversation is that technological innovation alone will not be enough to deploy flexibility at scale.

Regulation determines the incentives under which electricity system operators make their investment and operational decisions. If regulatory frameworks continue to favour traditional grid reinforcement over the procurement of flexibility services, flexibility will struggle to become a mainstream tool for system operators.

As José Pablo explains in the podcast:

“Europe is moving in the right direction, but significant work remains. The principles introduced at European level still need to be translated consistently into national regulatory frameworks and practical mechanisms that allow flexibility markets to develop”.

This regulatory dimension has been a key part of BeFlexible throughout its four years of work. Alongside the deployment and validation of flexibility solutions across several European countries, the project has investigated the market, regulatory and business conditions needed to facilitate their wider adoption.

Building flexibility markets that work in practice

Moving towards large-scale flexibility also means preparing electricity markets and digital infrastructures for the participation of a growing number of distributed resources and smaller actors. During the podcast, the discussion addresses some of the key requirements identified through BeFlexible’s work, including interoperability, cybersecurity and data governance. These elements become increasingly important as flexibility markets connect system operators, aggregators, consumers, prosumers and other service providers through digital platforms.

BeFlexible has explored these challenges through its demonstration activities and digital solutions, providing practical evidence of how flexibility services can operate under different technical, market and regulatory conditions.

From European projects to European implementation

After four years of research, development and demonstrations, BeFlexible has shown that flexibility can provide tangible value for electricity networks and consumers. The next step is ensuring that the knowledge, tools and lessons generated by projects such as BeFlexible can be replicated and incorporated into the wider European energy system.

Listen to the full conversation and discover how EU projects are helping turn energy flexibility into a real-world solution for Europe’s energy transition.

As BeFlexible reaches the end of its journey, this episode of Enlit’s podcast explores one of the key questions for Europe’s energy transition: how can flexibility move from successful demonstrations to real-world implementation at scale?

Energy flexibility has become an essential part of Europe’s transition towards a more renewable, electrified and decentralised energy system. Over the past years, European research and innovation projects have demonstrated its technical potential and tested new services, market models and digital solutions. The challenge now is ensuring that these solutions can move beyond pilots and become part of the everyday operation of Europe’s electricity system.

This is the focus of a new episode of the EU Energy Projects Podcast by Enlit, featuring José Pablo Chaves Ávila, Deputy Director for Research Development at the Institute for Research in Technology (IIT) of Comillas Pontifical University and BeFlexible partner, alongside Katerina Drivakou from the ENFLATE project.

Both projects have collaborated throughout the years and bring complementary perspectives to the discussion: BeFlexible addresses the regulatory strategies and market frameworks needed to enable flexibility procurement, while ENFLATE focuses particularly on engaging end users in flexibility provision.

You can listen to the full episode here:

Regulation: the engine behind flexibility

One of the main messages highlighted by José Pablo Chaves during the conversation is that technological innovation alone will not be enough to deploy flexibility at scale.

Regulation determines the incentives under which electricity system operators make their investment and operational decisions. If regulatory frameworks continue to favour traditional grid reinforcement over the procurement of flexibility services, flexibility will struggle to become a mainstream tool for system operators.

As José Pablo explains in the podcast:

“Europe is moving in the right direction, but significant work remains. The principles introduced at European level still need to be translated consistently into national regulatory frameworks and practical mechanisms that allow flexibility markets to develop”.

This regulatory dimension has been a key part of BeFlexible throughout its four years of work. Alongside the deployment and validation of flexibility solutions across several European countries, the project has investigated the market, regulatory and business conditions needed to facilitate their wider adoption.

Building flexibility markets that work in practice

Moving towards large-scale flexibility also means preparing electricity markets and digital infrastructures for the participation of a growing number of distributed resources and smaller actors. During the podcast, the discussion addresses some of the key requirements identified through BeFlexible’s work, including interoperability, cybersecurity and data governance. These elements become increasingly important as flexibility markets connect system operators, aggregators, consumers, prosumers and other service providers through digital platforms.

BeFlexible has explored these challenges through its demonstration activities and digital solutions, providing practical evidence of how flexibility services can operate under different technical, market and regulatory conditions.

From European projects to European implementation

After four years of research, development and demonstrations, BeFlexible has shown that flexibility can provide tangible value for electricity networks and consumers. The next step is ensuring that the knowledge, tools and lessons generated by projects such as BeFlexible can be replicated and incorporated into the wider European energy system.

Listen to the full conversation and discover how EU projects are helping turn energy flexibility into a real-world solution for Europe’s energy transition.

July 29, 2026

More than data: The human engine of BeFlexible

Article by Patricia Barriga and Eduardo Beotas, from Soulsight.

What makes a smart grid truly smart?

Of course, technology and algorithms play an important role. But the people behind them matter just as much. The engineers who design the solutions, the researchers who test them, and the communities that will eventually use them are all part of the equation.

As the BeFlexible project comes to an end, the results of its Gender and Inclusion Action Plan show that innovation is not only about technology. It is also about creating environments where people feel heard, valued, and included.

Delivering the energy transition requires more than innovative technologies. It also depends on the people who design, develop and implement them. This is the vision behind BeFlexible, a Horizon Europe project that has demonstrated innovative flexibility services across Europe to support a smarter, more resilient electricity system. While the project’s technical results are helping shape the future of energy flexibility, its success has also been built on a strong culture of collaboration, diversity and inclusion. As the project reaches its conclusion, this human dimension deserves to be recognised alongside its technological achievements.

Building inclusion together

The BeFlexible Gender and Inclusion Action Plan, developed under Work Package 9, was based on a simple idea: meaningful change happens when people are involved in the process.

The journey began with a review of similar European projects to understand what works when it comes to diversity and inclusión and what does not. The consortium then came together in a series of co-creation workshops to turn those insights into practical actions and shared commitments.

Finally, a project-wide evaluation gathered feedback from partners, giving everyone the opportunity to reflect on what had been achieved and where improvements could still be made.

Rather than being a set of rules imposed from above, the process became something owned by the whole consortium.

The numbers tell an important story

Seventeen partner organisations took part in the final evaluation, and 93% reported being satisfied with how diversity and inclusion were managed throughout the project.

Looking deeper into the results, the picture becomes even more encouraging:

97% agreed that the project’s services were designed to be accessible and easy to use for people with different levels of knowledge about energy systems.
97% positively rated the communication channels and opportunities created for collaboration and knowledge sharing across different disciplines and backgrounds.
94% felt that technical concepts were explained clearly enough for non-technical participants to engage with them.
94% also agreed that team-building activities helped create genuine connections and a stronger sense of collaboration.

These figures highlight something that is often overlooked: when people feel included, they participate more actively and contribute more effectively.

The BeFlexible DNA

One of the most interesting findings from the evaluation went beyond percentages and performance indicators.

Consortium members were invited to share a little about themselves, their interests, and what motivates them. The responses painted a picture of a group of people as diverse as the project itself.

The people behind BeFlexible are researchers, engineers, communicators, and innovators. But they are also marathon runners, musicians, hikers, painters, parents, and football fans.

They spend their days solving technical challenges and their evenings pursuing hobbies they are passionate about. Many highlighted the informal moments shared during project meetings, especially meals together, as some of the most valuable opportunities to connect with colleagues from different countries and backgrounds.

They brought curiosity, dedication, and a collaborative spirit to every stage of the project. They were rigorous in their work, but also generous with their knowledge and support.

This is what we call the BeFlexible DNA. Not a slogan or a corporate value statement, but a real reflection of the people who made the project possible. A diverse group of individuals whose different experiences and perspectives became one of the project’s greatest strengths.

Looking beyond BeFlexible

The energy transition is often described as a technological challenge, and it is, but it is also a human challenge.

The systems being developed today will ultimately be used, maintained, and improved by people with different backgrounds, skills, experiences, and ways of thinking. Bringing those perspectives together is not just good for workplace culture, it leads to better ideas, better research, and better solutions.

The experience of BeFlexible shows that diversity and inclusion are not side topics. They are an essential part of building an energy future that works for everyone. And perhaps that is one of the project’s most important lessons: when people are at the centre of innovation, the results are stronger, more meaningful, and more sustainable.

Article by Patricia Barriga and Eduardo Beotas, from Soulsight.

What makes a smart grid truly smart?

Of course, technology and algorithms play an important role. But the people behind them matter just as much. The engineers who design the solutions, the researchers who test them, and the communities that will eventually use them are all part of the equation.

As the BeFlexible project comes to an end, the results of its Gender and Inclusion Action Plan show that innovation is not only about technology. It is also about creating environments where people feel heard, valued, and included.

Delivering the energy transition requires more than innovative technologies. It also depends on the people who design, develop and implement them. This is the vision behind BeFlexible, a Horizon Europe project that has demonstrated innovative flexibility services across Europe to support a smarter, more resilient electricity system. While the project’s technical results are helping shape the future of energy flexibility, its success has also been built on a strong culture of collaboration, diversity and inclusion. As the project reaches its conclusion, this human dimension deserves to be recognised alongside its technological achievements.

Building inclusion together

The BeFlexible Gender and Inclusion Action Plan, developed under Work Package 9, was based on a simple idea: meaningful change happens when people are involved in the process.

The journey began with a review of similar European projects to understand what works when it comes to diversity and inclusión and what does not. The consortium then came together in a series of co-creation workshops to turn those insights into practical actions and shared commitments.

Finally, a project-wide evaluation gathered feedback from partners, giving everyone the opportunity to reflect on what had been achieved and where improvements could still be made.

Rather than being a set of rules imposed from above, the process became something owned by the whole consortium.

The numbers tell an important story

Seventeen partner organisations took part in the final evaluation, and 93% reported being satisfied with how diversity and inclusion were managed throughout the project.

Looking deeper into the results, the picture becomes even more encouraging:

97% agreed that the project’s services were designed to be accessible and easy to use for people with different levels of knowledge about energy systems.
97% positively rated the communication channels and opportunities created for collaboration and knowledge sharing across different disciplines and backgrounds.
94% felt that technical concepts were explained clearly enough for non-technical participants to engage with them.
94% also agreed that team-building activities helped create genuine connections and a stronger sense of collaboration.

These figures highlight something that is often overlooked: when people feel included, they participate more actively and contribute more effectively.

The BeFlexible DNA

One of the most interesting findings from the evaluation went beyond percentages and performance indicators.

Consortium members were invited to share a little about themselves, their interests, and what motivates them. The responses painted a picture of a group of people as diverse as the project itself.

The people behind BeFlexible are researchers, engineers, communicators, and innovators. But they are also marathon runners, musicians, hikers, painters, parents, and football fans.

They spend their days solving technical challenges and their evenings pursuing hobbies they are passionate about. Many highlighted the informal moments shared during project meetings, especially meals together, as some of the most valuable opportunities to connect with colleagues from different countries and backgrounds.

They brought curiosity, dedication, and a collaborative spirit to every stage of the project. They were rigorous in their work, but also generous with their knowledge and support.

This is what we call the BeFlexible DNA. Not a slogan or a corporate value statement, but a real reflection of the people who made the project possible. A diverse group of individuals whose different experiences and perspectives became one of the project’s greatest strengths.

Looking beyond BeFlexible

The energy transition is often described as a technological challenge, and it is, but it is also a human challenge.

The systems being developed today will ultimately be used, maintained, and improved by people with different backgrounds, skills, experiences, and ways of thinking. Bringing those perspectives together is not just good for workplace culture, it leads to better ideas, better research, and better solutions.

The experience of BeFlexible shows that diversity and inclusion are not side topics. They are an essential part of building an energy future that works for everyone. And perhaps that is one of the project’s most important lessons: when people are at the centre of innovation, the results are stronger, more meaningful, and more sustainable.

June 17, 2026

BeFlexible at AI+ 2026: Building trustworthy AI for flexible and resilient energy systems

At a joint EU projects session in the frame of the AI+ conference in Halden, BeFlexible highlighted why the future of AI-enabled energy flexibility depends on consumer engagement, trust, transparency, and fair value creation.

On May 2026, BeFlexible participated in AI+ 2026 in Halden, Norway, during the session ‘AI for critical infrastructure: Building trust, safety, and real-world adoption’. The session brought together EU-funded projects working on the future of AI in energy systems, with perspectives ranging from grid resilience and cybersecurity to consumer engagement and flexibility. BeFlexible’s contribution focused on a key question for the energy transition: how can AI help activate flexibility while keeping people, trust, and fairness at the center?

How AI can support consumer engagement in energy flexibility

As energy systems become more digital, decentralized, and dependent on renewable generation, AI is increasingly seen as a tool for forecasting, optimization, automation, and system coordination. However, critical infrastructure creates a high bar for deployment. AI must be safe, explainable, trustworthy, and usable in real operational contexts. The session therefore moved beyond the question of what AI can do and focused on what it takes for AI to be adopted responsibly.

BeFlexible contributed to the discussion by highlighting the role of prosumers, consumers, and energy communities in future flexibility markets. Our colleague Valeria Karina Moreno Soria from Comillas Pontifical University presented the project’s perspective on AI-enabled consumer engagement for residential flexibility provision, and showed that AI can reduce the complexity of flexibility participation by supporting forecasting, automation, optimization, personalized feedback, and aggregation. At the same time, the presentation stressed that automation does not replace engagement. Consumers still need to understand the value of participation, trust the actors managing their flexibility, and feel confident that data, control, and benefits are handled fairly.

Building trust, transparency and fair value for consumers

Following the presentations, Oula Terttunen from Smart Innovation Norway joined a panel discussion with representatives from two other EU projects: eFORT and COCOON. The discussion addressed practical questions around trust, safety, autonomy, user acceptance, and the transition from pilot projects to scalable AI solutions. From the BeFlexible perspective, a central theme was that AI should not make energy participation more invisible or distant from citizens. Instead, AI-enabled flexibility should be designed to increase meaningful participation, reduce barriers, and support transparent, fair, and user-centered energy systems.

This message aligns closely with BeFlexible’s broader work on customer engagement, value propositions, social co-creation, flexibility markets, and system adaptability. BeFlexible research shows that people do not engage in flexibility for one single reason. Monetary incentives are important, but they are not enough. Different users may be motivated by savings, comfort, sustainability, energy literacy, better equipment, community benefits, or contributing to a more resilient energy system. These insights are essential when designing AI-enabled flexibility solutions that people are willing and able to adopt.

The AI+ session underlined that the future of AI in critical infrastructure will not be defined by technical performance alone. For BeFlexible, the path forward is clear: AI-enabled flexibility must be smart, but it must also be trusted, transparent, fair, and grounded in real human needs. By bringing the consumer and social innovation perspective into the discussion, BeFlexible contributes to shaping energy systems that are not only more flexible and efficient, but also more inclusive and responsible.

At a joint EU projects session in the frame of the AI+ conference in Halden, BeFlexible highlighted why the future of AI-enabled energy flexibility depends on consumer engagement, trust, transparency, and fair value creation.

On May 2026, BeFlexible participated in AI+ 2026 in Halden, Norway, during the session ‘AI for critical infrastructure: Building trust, safety, and real-world adoption’. The session brought together EU-funded projects working on the future of AI in energy systems, with perspectives ranging from grid resilience and cybersecurity to consumer engagement and flexibility. BeFlexible’s contribution focused on a key question for the energy transition: how can AI help activate flexibility while keeping people, trust, and fairness at the center?

How AI can support consumer engagement in energy flexibility

As energy systems become more digital, decentralized, and dependent on renewable generation, AI is increasingly seen as a tool for forecasting, optimization, automation, and system coordination. However, critical infrastructure creates a high bar for deployment. AI must be safe, explainable, trustworthy, and usable in real operational contexts. The session therefore moved beyond the question of what AI can do and focused on what it takes for AI to be adopted responsibly.

BeFlexible contributed to the discussion by highlighting the role of prosumers, consumers, and energy communities in future flexibility markets. Our colleague Valeria Karina Moreno Soria from Comillas Pontifical University presented the project’s perspective on AI-enabled consumer engagement for residential flexibility provision, and showed that AI can reduce the complexity of flexibility participation by supporting forecasting, automation, optimization, personalized feedback, and aggregation. At the same time, the presentation stressed that automation does not replace engagement. Consumers still need to understand the value of participation, trust the actors managing their flexibility, and feel confident that data, control, and benefits are handled fairly.

Building trust, transparency and fair value for consumers

Following the presentations, Oula Terttunen from Smart Innovation Norway joined a panel discussion with representatives from two other EU projects: eFORT and COCOON. The discussion addressed practical questions around trust, safety, autonomy, user acceptance, and the transition from pilot projects to scalable AI solutions. From the BeFlexible perspective, a central theme was that AI should not make energy participation more invisible or distant from citizens. Instead, AI-enabled flexibility should be designed to increase meaningful participation, reduce barriers, and support transparent, fair, and user-centered energy systems.

This message aligns closely with BeFlexible’s broader work on customer engagement, value propositions, social co-creation, flexibility markets, and system adaptability. BeFlexible research shows that people do not engage in flexibility for one single reason. Monetary incentives are important, but they are not enough. Different users may be motivated by savings, comfort, sustainability, energy literacy, better equipment, community benefits, or contributing to a more resilient energy system. These insights are essential when designing AI-enabled flexibility solutions that people are willing and able to adopt.

The AI+ session underlined that the future of AI in critical infrastructure will not be defined by technical performance alone. For BeFlexible, the path forward is clear: AI-enabled flexibility must be smart, but it must also be trusted, transparent, fair, and grounded in real human needs. By bringing the consumer and social innovation perspective into the discussion, BeFlexible contributes to shaping energy systems that are not only more flexible and efficient, but also more inclusive and responsible.

June 16, 2026

BeFlexible España debate cómo pasar de los pilotos a la implementación de la flexibilidad

El 10 de junio de 2026 tuvo lugar el ‘Encuentro BeFlexible España’, una jornada dedicada a debatir sobre los retos y oportunidades de la flexibilidad energética en España, así como a compartir los principales resultados y aprendizajes del proyecto en el contexto nacional.

El evento, celebrado en el Instituto de Investigación Tecnológica (IIT) de la Universidad Pontificia Comillas (Madrid), reunió a representantes de instituciones públicas, reguladores, distribuidores eléctricos, operadores de mercado, centros de investigación y organizaciones vinculadas a la innovación energética, incluyendo la Comisión Nacional de los Mercados y la Competencia (CNMC), el Ministerio para la Transición Ecológica y el Reto Demográfico (MITECO), i-DE, e-distribución, OMIE y el IIT de la Universidad Pontificia Comillas, entre otras entidades.

Durante la jornada, los participantes abordaron cuestiones clave para el futuro del sistema eléctrico, como el desarrollo de redes, la digitalización, los mercados de flexibilidad, la participación de consumidores y agregadores, y la necesidad de avanzar hacia marcos regulatorios que permitan escalar estas soluciones de forma segura, eficiente y comprensible para todos los actores.

“La flexibilidad nos permite aprovechar mejor las fortalezas de nuestro sistema energético y seguir avanzando hacia una transición más eficiente, sostenible y resiliente. Pero este reto requiere el compromiso y la colaboración de todos los actores implicados: empresas, centros de investigación, consumidores y reguladores” destacaba Ángel García Castillejo, vicepresidente de la CNMC.

Uno de los mensajes principales de la jornada fue la necesidad de ordenar el potencial de flexibilidad disponible en el sistema. Los ponentes coincidieron en que la flexibilidad puede provenir de múltiples fuentes, desde grandes consumidores industriales hasta usuarios domésticos, edificios, movilidad eléctrica y comunidades energéticas. Sin embargo, para que este potencial pueda activarse a gran escala, es necesario avanzar en productos comprensibles, procesos estandarizados, digitalización y mecanismos fiables tanto para los consumidores como para los operadores del sistema.

Desde el ámbito de la distribución eléctrica, Eva Mancera, CEO de i-DE, señalaba cómo “la electrificación no es una previsión, es una realidad”. En este contexto, la flexibilidad se presenta como una herramienta fundamental, complementaria a la necesaria inversión en redes, para optimizar el uso de las infraestructuras existentes, gestionar congestiones locales, mejorar la eficiencia del sistema energético y adelantar la conexión de nueva demanda mientras se construyen nuevas redes.

El evento se centró en las conclusiones de los pilotos desplegados por BeFlexible en España sobre el uso práctico de la flexibilidad en las redes de distribución. Las demostraciones probaron distintos tipos de recursos flexibles en Bilbao, Benidorm, Sevilla y Madrid, incluyendo edificios municipales, una batería conectada a una subestación, calderas eléctricas y calentadores de agua residenciales, así como usuarios de vehículos eléctricos.

Los resultados presentados durante la sesión revelan que la flexibilidad puede ayudar a abordar congestiones locales, moderadas y temporales, especialmente cuando se agregan pequeños recursos. Al mismo tiempo, los pilotos confirman que la flexibilidad no sustituye al refuerzo de red. Su mayor valor se encuentra en complementar la inversión en redes, por ejemplo, ayudando a gestionar restricciones temporales o retrasos en el desarrollo de infraestructuras.

También se identificaron varios retos técnicos, entre ellos la definición de líneas base, la verificación de la flexibilidad entregada, la previsión de las necesidades de flexibilidad por parte de los DSOs y la necesidad de simplificar la participación de los consumidores.

1 – David Martín (i-DE) y Ángel García Castillejo (CNMC). 2 – Eva Mancera, CEO de i-DE. 3 – Presentación de resultados de los pilotos de BeFlexible por Beatriz Alonso (i-DE). 4 – Asistentes.

La mesa de debate fue uno de los momentos centrales del encuentro, al reunir distintas perspectivas sobre cómo avanzar en el despliegue real de la flexibilidad energética en España. El diálogo puso de manifiesto la importancia de la colaboración entre administraciones públicas, reguladores, empresas, centros de investigación, operadores y consumidores para avanzar hacia modelos de flexibilidad que sean técnica y económicamente viables, pero también sencillos, transparentes y accesibles para los usuarios finales. El panel contó con la participación de Tomás Fraga, del Ministerio para la Transición Ecológica y el Reto Demográfico (MITECO); Carla Miranda, del Instituto para la Diversificación y Ahorro de la Energía (IDAE); David Martín, de i-DE; Daniel Daví, de e-distribución; Cristina Corchero, de Entra; Sergio Muñoz, de OMIE y José Pablo Chaves, de la Universidad Pontificia Comillas.

El debate también abordó los pasos regulatorios necesarios para apoyar un despliegue más amplio en España. Los participantes intercambiaron puntos de vista sobre mercados locales de flexibilidad, acuerdos de flexibilidad, tarifas de red, remuneración de los DSOs y la importancia de definir con mayor claridad los roles y responsabilidades de todos los actores implicados.

Una de las cuestiones claves del diálogo la participación de los consumidores, que no puede depender únicamente de incentivos económicos. La confianza, la comodidad, la información clara y unos procesos sencillos serán esenciales si se espera que hogares, empresas y otros consumidores aporten flexibilidad a gran escala.

El evento concluyó con un mensaje compartido: España ya ha probado soluciones prometedoras de flexibilidad a través de proyectos como BeFlexible, pero la siguiente fase requerirá una regulación más clara, procesos estandarizados y una conexión más sólida entre los pilotos técnicos y la operación real del sistema.

De izquierda a derecha: Sergio Muñoz (OMIE), Cristina Corchero (Entra), Daniel Daví (e-distribución), David Martín (i-DE), Carla Miranda (IDAE), Tomás Fraga (MITECO) y José Pablo Chaves (Universidad Pontificia Comillas).