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 Conferences 2025 | Conference Program | Language: English | Duration: 100:55 .

Minute 0:02:10 Welcome & Introduction

Marianna Evenstein
TV & Event Presenter
Moderation

Minute 0:04:50 Welcome Speech

Markus Elsässer
CEO
Solar Promotion GmbH
Germany

Minute 0:11:00 Keynote Speech: It's Not Flex. It's Simply the Emerging System.

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

Minute 0:37:15 Panel Discussion

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

Minute 1:17:50 Conference Highlights & Preview

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

Minute 1:38:50 Closing

Marianna Evenstein
TV & Event Presenter
Moderation

The smarter E Europe 2025 Conference in Munich Highlights Renewable Energy Transition and Grid Flexibility Challenges

The smarter E Europe Conferences 2025 focuses on accelerating renewable energy transitions under "Flexibility Drives Change," emphasizing electrification, storage solutions, efficient grids, e-mobility, and management systems to build resilient digitalized sectors across electricity heating and mobility. Eurostar prioritizes passenger experience over speed alone—paralleling challenges faced by renewables like high storage costs despite cheaper generation rates. Strategies for managing peak-time electricity costs using smart technologies are explored alongside consumer engagement stories illustrating clean tech adoption benefits amidst geopolitical fuel price impacts. Europe needs flexible grid infrastructure incorporating decentralized assets such as EVs; these offer significant systemic advantages when effectively utilized within integrated networks including vehicle-to-grid (V2G) potentials The conference emphasizes critical roles of renewable energy transition integrating storage with renewables reducing gas dependency boosting job creation Europe's solar sector initiatives Net Zero Industry Act aim enhance manufacturing capacities without restrictive trade measures Discussions highlight affordable electricity impact reindustrialization exemplified Spain’s growing interest companies low costs Storing excess renewable could save €9 billion by 2030 simplifying communication crucial broader understanding Key topics include cost savings from electric vehicles V2G technology advocating shared responsibility stakeholders system resilience amid clean skepticism Michael Schmela leads Intersolar Conference Committee solar trends demand flexibility technological advancements oversupply challenges Sessions focus utility-scale growth drivers globally digitalization post-blackout cybersecurity concerns climate effects output security issues PPA market expansion importance efficient land use floating/agri-PV insights German Farmers Association representatives hybrid sessions explore wind-solar-battery plant combinations enhancing flexibility. Florian Meyer, Raphael Heliot, and Christian Schorn discuss the evolving landscape of electrical storage and grid integration in Europe. Meyer's focus is on how favorable regulations can facilitate better grid integration by shifting usage times through advanced electrical storage solutions. Heliot emphasizes Europe's transition to electric vehicle (EV) mobility via bidirectional charging systems that enhance both business sustainability and cybersecurity within infrastructure frameworks. This approach addresses the increasing global demand for electrification with smart solutions beyond mere physical expansions. Meanwhile, Schorn highlights EM-Power's commitment to developing smarter grids that ensure stable and reliable networks supporting transformative efforts across various sectors. Collectively, these initiatives contribute significantly towards achieving sustainable outcomes aligned with internationally recognized goals guiding future policies responsibly amidst dynamically changing circumstances worldwide. The discussion underscores a holistic societal benefit from such advancements—promoting inclusivity, transparency, collaboration— and fostering an environment where innovation thrives alongside ethical governance practices aimed at long-term prosperity globally.

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