Recording of Tuesday, June 23, 2026 | The smarter E Europe Conferences 2026 | Language: English | Duration: 16:36 .

Advancements and Challenges in Europe's Energy Grid

Baratilla Energy Storage, based in Helsinki, specializes in integrating battery energy systems with a focus on the GEMS platform, project integration, and long-term infrastructure management. The company has delivered 20 gigawatt hours of battery storage globally, especially in Scotland and the UK, catering to the need for local energy solutions that enhance sustainability. The transition to renewable energy in the UK has reduced power generation inertia, prompting the National Grid ESO to develop the Pathfinder program for reintroducing inertia services. Innovations in battery technology have transformed revenue generation, transitioning from simple transactions to providing ancillary services essential for grid stability. Developing grid-forming and virtual inertia systems requires continuous stakeholder engagement and iterative modeling processes. Challenges persist in implementing advanced projects due to the absence of clear guidance, necessitating extensive adaptations and real-time problem-solving during commissioning. The integration of offshore wind energy faces stability challenges, emphasizing the need for ongoing innovations and robust energy management systems. Documenting systems is crucial for future-proofing operations and ensuring adaptability in the evolving energy landscape.

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Speaker

Raymond Walsh
General Manager, Project Management
Wärtsilä Energy Storage
USA

Talk of session: Inverter-Dominated Power Grids - How do we Overcome our Dependency on Turning Masses of Fossil Power Plants?

The share of renewable energies in European power systems is steadily increasing: Germany has already achieved approximately 60 percent, and most of the renewable energy is provided by the volatile sources wind and solar. This is the bright side of the story, but conventional power plants, which have been responsible for grid stability until now, are also being shut down. A further increase in renewable shares requires a shift in the paradigm towards grids operating safely and reliably with power electronic assets. In this context, energy storage systems with grid-forming inverters play a key role, and this session is dedicated to technological solutions, the development and adaptation of grid codes, market incentives and, as well as best practices. Additionally, we will ask whether the way in which grid stability was coordinated in the era of turning masses from momentum reserve to FCR, aFRR and mFRR is still appropriate for inverter-dominated grids.

Further Talks of this session:

Welcome and Introduction

Speaker

Dr. Matthias Vetter
Energy Storage Chief Expert
Huawei Nuremberg Research Center
Germany

To Talk

The Role of Grid-Forming Inverters in Renewable Energy Integration

Speaker

Cormac Gilligan
Director, Technologies & Supply Chains
S&P Global Energy

To Talk

Blackout in the Iberian Peninsula: Summary of Events, Analysis and Consequences for Other Power Grids

Speaker

Dr. Enrique Garralaga
Managing Director
SMA Altenso GmbH
Germany

To Talk

Island Grids and Blackstart: A Grid-Forming LFP Battery System for MVA Ingolstadt

Speaker

Christoph Richter
Product Manager
Freqcon GmbH

To Talk

Panel Discussion

To Talk