BeFlexible drives the future of energy flexibility at ENLIT Europe 2024 Cluster Session

BeFlexible made a powerful return to ENLIT Europe 2024 in Milan, which took place from October 22 to 24, leading a pivotal cluster session that gathered industry leaders to discuss the future of energy in Europe. As part of Horizon Europe—the largest innovation funding program in Europe—BeFlexible is actively working to strengthen energy flexibility across the continent. This session tackled key strategies for developing a decentralized, digital, and adaptable energy system aligned with Europe’s climate and innovation goals.

Overcoming regulatory barriers and attracting future investments for greater energy flexibility

Regulation was a central topic, as panelists discussed the challenges faced by Distribution System Operators (DSOs) and flexibility providers, emphasizing the importance of clear incentive structures and flexible acquisition models. Investment strategies were also explored to enhance grid adaptability, highlighting the focus on the final customer and the role of the independent aggregators in supporting grid stability.

Data Spaces and Digitalization: The pathway to innovation

The session also focused on the impact of digitalization and Data Spaces on grid optimization. Through the integration of smart metering and advanced data exchange systems, DSOs can manage energy flow in real-time, boosting efficiency and grid responsiveness. Panelists underscored how digital tools can revolutionize energy management and lay the groundwork for a more innovative and efficient system.

Key speakers leading the charge at ENLIT Europe 2024

The Cluster Session held the October 23 featured prominent industry voices collaborating with BeFlexible, including representatives from our cluster projects ENFLATE and STREAM, each bringing their expertise to the table. This edition included the invaluable participation of Charles Esser, Secretary General of E.DSO, who delivered an insightful keynote speech to kick off the panel discussion titled “Rethinking flexibility markets: What’s the secret to navigating regulatory challenges and customer needs?”.

The discussion was moderated by Susana Garayoa, Institutional Relations at Zabala Innovation Europe and part of BeFlexible, and included contributions from Fernando David Martin Utrilla, Project Coordinator of BeFlexible and DSO Role Responsible in Spain at i-DE (Iberdrola Group); Katerina Drivakou, Coordinator of ENFLATE and Energy Systems Researcher at Ubitech Energy; and Tomi Medved, Coordinator of STREAM and Head of the Laboratory of Energy Policy at the Faculty of Electrical Engineering.

Next Steps for BeFlexible: Moving Towards a Flexible Energy System

Beyond the sessions, BeFlexible and its partners leveraged networking opportunities to build connections with key industry players, strengthening partnerships that will drive future initiatives in sustainable, flexible energy solutions. These exchanges not only enhance BeFlexible’s impact but also align with Horizon Europe’s goals for an innovative and resilient energy model.

As Martín Utrilla stated, “This ENLIT session was particularly interesting because we were able to see how the three projects are fully aligned in the task of unlocking the flexibility to accelerate the energy transition. Once again, we have highlighted the importance of a robust regulation that incentivizes these new flexibility solutions, and a proper architecture of platforms and markets that make it feasible in the most efficient way”.

Looking ahead, BeFlexible will integrate the insights gained at ENLIT Europe into upcoming project reports and phases. Key takeaways from the cluster session of BeFlexible will reinforce the pathway to greater energy flexibility across Europe, consolidating industry knowledge and leadership on these essential advancements.