The smarter E Europe Conference Opening - Flexibility Drives Change

A fully renewable energy system requires more than just expanding generation capacity - it demands intelligence, flexibility and seamless integration across the electricity, heat, and mobility sectors. The Conference Opening sets the stage for a high-level dialogue on how digitalization, storage solutions and sector coupling can ensure a reliable 24/7 renewable energy supply. Experts will discuss regulatory advancements, innovative business models and cross-industry as well as cross-sector synergies that pave the way forward. What has already been achieved - and what critical steps must follow to turn ambitious goals into reality?

Recording of Tuesday, May 06, 2025 | The smarter E Europe | Conference Program | Language: English | Duration: 100:55 .

Marianna Evenstein
TV & Event Presenter
Moderation

Markus Elsässer
CEO
Solar Promotion GmbH
Germany

Greg Jackson
CEO & Co-Founder
Octopus Energy Group
United Kingdom

Greg Jackson
CEO & Co-Founder
Octopus Energy Group
United Kingdom

Michael Villa
Executive Director
smartEn
Belgium

Julian Jansen
Vice-President
EASE - The European Association for Storage of Energy
Belgium

Chris Heron
Secretary General
E-Mobility Europe
Belgium

Walburga Hemetsberger
CEO
SolarPower Europe
Belgium

Bruce Douglas
CEO
Global Renewables Alliance
Belgium

Raphaël Héliot
Senior Policy Manager
E-Mobility Europe
Belgium

Christian Schorn
Director Asset Operation
TransnetBW GmbH
Germany

Michael Schmela
Executive Advisor
SolarPower Europe
Belgium

Florian Mayr
Partner
Strategy&
Germany

Marianna Evenstein
TV & Event Presenter
Moderation

Smarter E Europe 2025 Launches in Munich, Addressing Renewable Energy Challenges and Innovations Amidst Political Opposition

The Smarter E Europe Conferences in Munich emphasize the integration of electrification, energy storage, efficient grids, e-mobility, and energy management to advance renewable energy. Solar power is highlighted as a key driver for decarbonization across sectors such as heating and transportation. Markus Elsässer stresses the need to modernize market regulations to support the expansion of digital infrastructure, while also incorporating technologies like heat pumps and electric vehicles (EVs). With over 2,700 exhibitors and more than 100,000 trade visitors expected at this year’s event, the conference showcases technological advancements necessary for sustainable energy systems. Intelligent sector coupling strategies—including improvements in battery technology and innovations such as bidirectional charging in the mobility sector—are aimed at accelerating the global energy transition. Discussions also address grid management challenges, such as unmanaged EV charging during peak times, which can lead to curtailment costs that offset the economic benefits of renewable investments. The need for systemic changes and improved time management within grids is emphasized as essential for the transition to a more sustainable energy future.

Automated summarization by AI Conver

Further Content
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April 13, 2026

Insights into large-scale battery storage: technologies, real projects, and future business opportunities.

The smarter E Europe Conferences 2026
From Market to Operation: Leveraging Forecasts for Predictive BESS Dispatch

Tuesday, June 23, 2026, 02:30 pm

The smarter E Europe Conferences 2026 | Conference Program

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While predictive maintenance has become a well-known concept in battery energy storage, the next step is predictive operation. This approach aims not only to prevent failures, but also to continuously optimize system operation in real time. The goal is to maximize the performance, efficiency and lifetime of the existing hardware in each specific use case. Predictive operation extends beyond the battery cells themselves: Adaptive thermal management, intelligent inverter control and optimal coordination of power electronics all play a crucial role. By anticipating system behavior under different operating scenarios, predictive operation enables asset owners and operators to extract greater value from their storage systems while improving reliability and integration with renewable generation. This session will highlight the latest methods, control strategies and demonstration results that bring predictive operation from research into practice.

Battery Business & Development Forum
BESS Routes-to-Market in Europe: Merchant, Capacity, and Tolling — What Works Where

Tuesday, March 31, 2026 11:45am–1:00pm

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This session breaks down the three dominant routes-to-market in Europe and examines where they work in practice, how they are structured, and what risks they carry.

Battery Business & Development Forum
Deep Dive: Resilient Grids with Grid-Forming Batteries: Market Opportunities and Technical Pathways

Tuesday, March 31, 2026 11:45am–1:00pm

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This session highlights their growing role in grid stability, including grid-forming, voltage control, congestion management and system support across transmission and distribution networks.

Battery Business & Development Forum
Safety, Security & Sustainability – Aiming High Despite Huge Cost Pressure

Wednesday, April 1, 2026 1:00pm–2:15pm

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This session highlights key technical and risk-related considerations impacting BESS bankability.

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