BeFlexible in Enlit’s podcast: Flexibility is the quiet superpower of Europe’s energy transition
This episode of the EU Energy Projects Podcast by Enlit shines a spotlight on flexibility: why it matters for Europe’s energy transition and how projects like BeFlexible are making a difference.
As Europe accelerates the shift to renewable energy and electrifies more sectors, electricity grids face unprecedented pressure. Flexibility is no longer optional; it is essential. Without it, balancing variable renewables, managing peak loads, and integrating new prosumers would be a critical challenge for grid operators and communities alike.
In this context, the EU Energy Projects Podcast by Enlit is the perfect space to explore how Horizon Europe projects are driving key aspects of the energy transition with fresh voices from across the sector. In this episode, Charles Esser (Secretary General of E.DSO) and Anastasia Skapoula (Projects Officer at E.DSO and Dissemination Lead for BeFlexible) share their insights on what flexibility means in practice. Their participation is part of BeFlexible’s journey towards Enlit 2025, offering a sneak peek of the conversations that will continue at one of Europe’s most important energy events.
You can listen to the full episode here:
Flexibility and the unique role of EU projects
Both speakers unpack what flexibility really means and why it is “the quiet superpower” of the energy transition—often invisible but indispensable for integrating renewables and ensuring secure supply. Esser uses a metaphor: “Flexibility is the art of keeping the electricity network in perfect balance, adjusting production and consumption in real time.”
Yet achieving this balance is far from simple. Flexibility faces multiple challenges, from regulatory barriers to market fragmentation, that slow down its full deployment across Europe. In this context, as Anastasia stresses, “flexibility cannot happen without collaboration.” She underlines that diversity among EU countries should not be seen as a weakness but as a strength: “What we see in BeFlexible is that diversity within the EU creates a learning opportunity. One model or technology that works in one pilot might not work in another. Or it might.” The project is carrying out eleven pilots in four countries (Italy, Sweden, Spain and France), selected to cover a range of energy behaviours and consumers, grid typologies and regulatory environments.
“High-level policy tells us what needs to be done and by when. Projects like BeFlexible show us how to do it, and they bring to the surface obstacles and challenges that policymakers may not foresee”, Anastasia Skapoula (E.DSO).
Flexibility remains one of Europe’s greatest challenges, but also one of its biggest opportunities. The ultimate goal: to create a Europe-wide flexibility market rather than isolated national experiments, with projects like BeFlexible laying the foundation.
Looking ahead to Enlit 2025
This podcast episode is just an appetizer for what is to come. BeFlexible will once again be present at Enlit Europe 2025, one of the most important energy events and the perfect opportunity to connect with stakeholders and contribute to discussions that are shaping Europe’s energy future.
Just like in previous editions, BeFlexible will be there to explore first-hand how flexibility is being demonstrated in practice and what it means for consumers, communities, and system operators alike.
Stay tuned for BeFlexible’s participation at Enlit 2025!
