Towards the grid of the future
RESEARCH, DEVELOPMENT and INNOVATION

Our objective is to transform the European energy system into an integrated one, with emphasis on customer, on flexibility and end to-end digitization to integrate different technologies and market services.

Sector coupling

Electricity grids must create synergies with other energy networks (gas and heat) and allow the transition towards sustainable transport through the deployment of electric vehicles, which requires the evolution of the battery sector and the creation of efficient charging station networks. The future energy systems will be coupled and optimized.

End-to-end digitization

Consumers and prosumers will need smart grids and systems, integrating smart meters, highly developed home automation systems and appliances, enabling demand response, portfolio management, and load optimization. Big data management, the Internet of things, and the post-processing and security of data are required for inter-TSO cooperation and for the empowerment of consumers.

Smart technology

On the system operations side, innovative solutions will be needed for substation automation in conjunction with standard fault analysis and location, dynamic line rating, and the use of optical or nano-technologies.

The RDI team at ENTSO-E works closely in all these fields and across transversal structures: the digital team in ENTSO-E, System Development, Market , Operation and the European TSO/DSO platform.

TSOs & EU research

The ETIP Smart Networks for Energy Transition (SNET) role is to guide Research, Development & Innovation (RD&I) to support Europe’s energy transition.

ENTSO-E supports the Strategic Energy Technology (SET) Plan activities, through its participation in the European Technology and Innovation Platform on Smart Networks for Energy Transition (ETIP SNET) at various levels: Executive Committee, Governing Board and Working Groups.

The objective is to share with stakeholders from the whole energy sector at EU level the results achieved by TSOs’ R&I activities, but also their R&I needs, and to work together towards an integrated R&I vision.

Projects

At the European level ENTSO-E and it's members participate directly in Horizon 2020 projects and calls:

CROSS BOrder management of variable renewable energies and storage units enabling a transnational Wholesale market

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European system with an efficient coordinated use of flexibilities for the integration of a large share of RES

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An Integrated Platform for Increased FLEXIbility in smart TRANSmission grids with STORage Entities and large penetration of Renewable Energy Sources

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Design and develop novel Information and Communication Technology tools and techniques that facilitate scalable and secure information systems and data exchange between TSO and DSO.

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The INTENSYS4EU (INTegrated ENergy SYStem, a pathway for EUrope) project is a coordination and support Action group supported by the European Commission’s Horizon 2020 programme

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OSMOSE is preparing the necessary flexibilities for the electricity system of tomorrow.

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TSO Innovation Hub

Under the ENTSO-E Research, Development and Innovation Committee, themathic working groups have been developed and share best practices among the TSO community regarding power system modernization, security and system stability, power system flexibility, economics and efficiency and digitalization.

Standardisation

ENTSO-E RDI engages in various standardisation activities to enable the development of digital and smart grids. Having quality standards used across the board at pan-European or even international level creates new innovation and business synergies & opportunities. This work is done in close cooperation with the ENTSO-E Digital section and the ENTSO-E Working Group Standardisation through the Common Information Model

Business Network for Innovation

The purpose of the Business Network for Innovation is to set up a new ecosystem of energy transition players, centering around innovation, and driven by a business perspective. The Business Network for Innovation creates a bridge between the world of start-ups and citizen initiatives on one hand, suppliers, opinion leaders, institutions and ENTSO-E on the other.

Business Network