The recording is not authorized for publication

Recording of Tuesday, May 06, 2025 | The smarter E Europe Conferences 2025 | Conference Program | Language: English | Duration: 13:41 .

Bridging the Gap: Unlocking Flexibility in Future Distribution Grids Through Local Flexibility Markets and Engaging 'Flexumers'

The transcript features a speech by Maddalena Pondini, who discusses the development of future distribution grids with an emphasis on unlocking flexibility. Transitioning from focusing solely on grid operators to becoming a sustainability advisor at Siemens AG, she now aids customers in their decarbonization efforts through electrification and flexible market participation. She highlights the importance of local flexibility markets as mechanisms for maximizing grid asset utilization and addressing network congestion sustainably and competitively. These markets are supported by European Commission regulations that encourage sustainable energy systems. Pondini emphasizes bridging the gap between Distribution System Operators (DSOs) demanding flexibility and "flexumers"—customers capable of supplying it due to their dual roles as consumers and producers. Engaging flexumers involves overcoming barriers such as technological unfamiliarity or perceived challenges related to adopting new technologies. Siemens AG aims to facilitate this engagement by acting as a one-stop shop providing advisory services, managed support, simulation tools, digitization products like energy management systems, aggregation platforms, cloud-based operations monitoring solutions—all designed to enhance transparency within these emerging market structures while fostering collaboration among stakeholders including DSOs and commercial entities involved in resolving congestion issues effectively.

_{Automated summarization by AI Conver}

Speaker

Maddalena Pondini
Sustainability Advisory Expert
Siemens AG
Germany

Talk of session: Developing the Future Distribution Grid

The global energy landscape is changing rapidly as demand for electricity increases and distributed generation becomes more widespread. In their efforts to modernize and expand an already aging power grid, utilities and grid operators face significant obstacles and challenges in maintaining system stability and resilience. In addition, shortages of skilled labor and materials are slowing infrastructure development. Addressing these issues requires technological innovation, policy reforms, and collaboration across the energy industry. The session will explore how to create a power system that is not only reliable and secure but also flexible enough to adapt the changing energy landscape.

Further Talks of this session:

Welcome and Introduction

Speaker

Carmen Gimeno
Secretary General
GEODE
Belgium

To Talk

The Energy Transition - Challenges for Grid Operators

Speaker

Luís Vale Cunha
Chairman
ETIP SNET
Portugal

To Talk

Bringing Flexibility to the System - Local Flexibility Markets

Speaker

Rune Hogga
Head of Flexibility
A Energi
Norway

To Talk

Challenges and Strategies in Grid Development

Speaker

Harri Salomäki
Head of Asset Management and Partnerships
Elenia
Finland

To Talk

Grid Management Optimization - New Technology Solutions

Speaker

Mark Nigge-Uricher
Senior Business Developer
Alliander N.V.
The Netherlands

To Talk

Panel Discussion

To Talk

Partners & Sponsors