Panel Discussion

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Recording of Tuesday, June 18, 2024 | The smarter E Europe | Conference Program | Language: English | Duration: 27:22 .

Panel Discusses Balance Between Information Technology and Hardware in Advancing Electrical Grid Innovations

The discussion revolves around the significance of various technologies in managing electrical grids and fostering innovation within this domain. The central question is whether information technology (IT) or hardware advancements are more critical. Both panelists argue that it's not an either-or scenario; effective grid management requires a symbiosis between data-driven IT solutions and robust physical infrastructure. One panelist emphasizes that while IT has rapidly progressed, its utility is primarily driven by developments in renewable energy hardware like solar PV systems. Without these renewables, there would be less demand for advanced market mechanisms managed through IT. Another perspective highlights the high cost associated with building new grids, suggesting smart charging and other technological flexibilities to reduce expenses. At different voltage levels (low vs high), optimization needs vary significantly—centralization at higher voltages versus detailed fine-tuning at lower ones. Additionally, historical examples show unexpected initial challenges like voltage control necessitating immediate solutions, showcasing the need to understand both IT and hardware nuances depending on specific regional issues. System operators often seek flexibility but face obstacles in engaging asset owners and assessing existing capabilities efficiently—a gap companies like Piclo aim to fill with their adaptable interfaces for quick market deployment.

Automatisierte Zusammenfassung durch AI Conver

As the recent Grid Action Plan has shown, the importance of grids has finally come to the forefront of discussions on European energy policy. The focus of this session is on grid innovations and the need for a sustainable electricity system that can adapt to the energy transition.

Further Talks of this session:

Speaker

Torsten Knop
European Regulation
E.ON SE
Germany

To Talk

Speaker

Adrian Gonzalez
Programme Officer- Innovation and End-use Sectors
IRENA International Renewable Energy Agency
Germany

To Talk

Speaker

Jan Kula
Business Development Expert
CEZ Distribuce, a. s.
Czech Republic

To Talk

Speaker

Matthew Billson
Director, Policy & Market Strategy
Piclo
United Kingdom

To Talk

Speaker

Conference Partner

Prof. Dr. Jochen Kreusel
President T&D Europe, Member ETIP-SNET
T&D Europe & ETIP-SNET
Germany

To Talk

Speaker

Torsten Knop
European Regulation
E.ON SE
Germany

To Talk

Weiterführende Inhalte
The smarter E Europe Conferences 2026
Panel Discussion of the Session: Turning Industrial and Commercial Demand Side Flexibility into Value

Tuesday, June 23, 2026, 02:30 pm

The smarter E Europe Conferences 2026 | Conference Program

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Industrial and commercial flexibility is no longer experimental - it is becoming a core part of network operation and market participation. Across Europe, DSOs, transmission system operators (TSOs), aggregators and retailers are moving from isolated pilots to coordinated programs that avoid grid upgrades and deliver real capacity and financial value for all participants.This session focuses on the operational integration of C&I flexibility into routine grid workflows through dispatch, settlement, verification and commercial models. It highlights how flexibility is embedded in daily operations: from automated dispatch and verification tools to new contractual models that reward large energy users for adapting consumption. You will gain insight into replicable approaches for scaling flex portfolios, integrating them into control-room workflows and ensuring fair value-sharing across utilities, service providers and industrial consumers.

Webinar Collection
Demand-side flexibility in action: Real-world strategies for energy-intensive industries

May 5, 2026

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Webinar showing how flexibility can reduce energy costs and strengthen competitiveness.

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Cars as batteries on wheels: Thomas Raffeiner and Petrouschka Werther discuss how V2G and smart charging turn EVs into critical grid assets.

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Perovskites: The Race for the Future of PV?

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