Tuesday, May 5, 2026 | 11.00am–12.00pm CET | Webinar language: English
The rapid growth of variable renewable energy, coupled with intensifying regulatory and market pressures for decarbonisation and efficiency, is reshaping the competitive landscape for energy-intensive industries (EII). In this new environment, demand-side flexibility is not just a tool for grid stability – it is a strategic differentiator that can drive cost savings, operational resilience, and market leadership.
This webinar will explore the technical, economic, and regulatory dimensions of demand-side flexibility, with a focus on how energy-intensive industries can turn flexibility into a competitive advantage.
During the webinar, smartEn will showcase selected case studies from its forthcoming publication, supported by The Smarter E. The publication will provide real-world examples and best practices for successful demand-side flexibility strategies for energy intensive industries. Companies from the Flexible Demand Management Industry and representatives from EIIs will join the discussion, offering their firsthand experiences, key challenges, and innovative solutions. Together, these insights will illustrate how energy-intensive industries can transition from being passive energy consumers to active contributors to grid stability – unlocking benefits such as lower energy costs, greater resilience, and faster progress toward a sustainable energy system, all while enhancing their own competitiveness.
During the webinar participants can submit their questions to get them answered by the experts in the live Q&A. In addition, both the recording and the speakers' presentations will be made available on our digital content platform The smarter E Digital after the webinar.
Valeria Ghiotto
Valeria Ghiotto is a Market Research Analyst at smartEn – Smart Energy Europe, the European business association for the Flexible Demand Management industry. She has worked on State Aid in the energy sector and conducted research on how environmental policy influences the deployment of renewable power capacity. Valeria holds a Joint Master’s degree in Economic and Social Sciences from Bocconi and in Economics (Research Focus) from UCLouvain.
Michael Villa
Michael Villa is Executive Director of smartEn - Smart Energy Europe, the European business association integrating the decentralized solutions of the clean energy transition. He joined smartEn in 2018 when he lead the advocacy efforts as Head of Policy. Before joining smartEn, he worked as Senior Consultant to provide specific advocacy support to clients both in the EU and Middle East in the energy sector. Among others, he led the Secretariat of a cross-sectorial business organisation, the European Alliance to Save Energy (EU-ASE), and supported Knauf Insulation as Public Affairs Adviser in Italy. Michael worked also in the European Parliament for a Cypriot MEP and at the Embassy of Italy in Copenhagen during the UN Climate Change Conference COP15. Michael has a Master at the Institute for European Studies in Brussels and a bachelor degree from the Catholic University of Milan.
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