Supporting interoperability in electricity sector: how to steer the European regulatory framework?

In a second instalment of the E.DSO series of Innovation Briefs, we aim to highlight the results of the int:net project. We draw on the deliverable “Regulatory framework relevant for int:net” to introduce the main challenges to facilitating interoperability in the electricity sector.

As the electricity sector integrates more decentralized energy sources and smart devices, achieving interoperability is essential for improving efficiency, reducing system costs, and supporting the broader transition to a green energy economy. However, the diverse interests of stakeholders and the complexity of current systems demand a comprehensive regulatory and policy framework to incentivize and coordinate efforts toward interoperability.

This E.DSO Innovation Brief identifies and explains the main challenges that hinder the adoption of interoperable solutions in the sector. These challenges include the lack of adequate standardization for new services, such as flexibility markets and smart home devices, insufficient governance frameworks to foster collaboration, and cybersecurity and privacy concerns related to the increased exchange of data. The document also highlights the absence of harmonized market processes and roles across different countries, which further complicates the development of a seamless, interoperable energy market.

We also include a set of high-level principles for developing a policy and regulatory framework that can facilitate interoperability. These principles focus on removing existing barriers in legislation, establishing clear incentives for all stakeholders, fostering innovation, and creating governance mechanisms to monitor and update standards. By addressing these key areas, the document aims to provide guidance for the development of an effective framework to support interoperability and drive the digital transformation of the energy sector.

You can download the Innovation Brief below. If you feel like you would like to get involved in discussions about regulatory framework for interoperability, you can join the community of experts around int:net – the community is currently organising a series of workshops to discuss these issues, and planning to bring even more activities for its members in the coming months!

You can also explore the first edition of E.DSO Innovation Brief: Securing the Grid: The Importance of DSO and City Cooperation

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