The Evolving Role of DSOs: Unlocking Potential Through Flexible Connection Agreements

In episode 17 of the E.DSO Policy Podcast we discover together with Alberto Pototschnig, Executive Deputy Director at World of Practice and teacher at FSR, more about the traditional use of Flexible Connection Agreements (FCAs), their application for Distribution System Operators , and customers to promote a smooth energy transition. The brief exchange focused particularly on the advantages of FCAs from the customer's perspective and their contribution to the progressive electrification of key sectors, as well as the potential of FCAs to overcome bottlenecks in congested areas and balance the investment needs in distribution liens. Listen, learn and enjoy!

In this episode the E.DSO Policy Podcast, we delve into the realities of the current EU and Member State funding landscape and it's accessibility for DSOs. Rickard Venetjoki, member of E.DSO & Senior Expert at E.ON, provides a nuanced investigation of the funding gap identified by an extensive survey within E.DSO and the EU DSO Entity. Listen in and discover more about our findings about key instruments, such as the CEF & Horizon Europe, that brought us to a series of policy recommendations, aiming to guide policymakers in enhancing funding opportunities for decentralized electricity infrastructure—an indispensable component of Europe's energy system.

In our 15th episode of the E.DSO Policy Podcast, we're joined by Jaume Loffredo, Energy Team Lead at BEUC, to explore the critical topic of protecting European consumers from soaring energy prices. As the European Union faces unprecedented challenges in the wake of global energy shifts, we delve deep into the measures taken to safeguard consumers, especially as we approach the winter season.   From the joint declaration in 2022, emphasizing solidarity with vulnerable consumers, to real-world examples of effective customer protection measures, we dissect the strategies in place. Additionally, we discuss the role of DSOs in reducing demand and ensuring customer well-being in the face of rising energy costs. Join us for an insightful conversation to ensure consumer protection! [1] https://www.edsoforsmartgrids.eu/edso-publications/e-dso-amendments-to-the-european-parliaments-approach-to-the-revision-of-the-electricity-market-design

For the 14th episode of the E.DSO policy podcast we invited Maximo Miccinilli (FleishmanHillard) to debate the potential of the recently published Net-Zero Industry Act to keep European manufacturing capacities within European borders and eventually make the European Union a competitive player on the global stage. While giving credit to the incredible work the European Commission has accomplished to come up with a framework proposal in the shortest possible time, the discussion highlights the limits of the NZIA compared to similar initiatives from other federal mega powers, such as the United States. One thing is clear: There is still a lot to be done, however, the EU cannot wait any longer to give the power system the right support if they do not want to be left behind in the clean tec race. For more details tune in now! 

In the 13th episode of our policy podcast, we spoke with Laurent Schmitt - Head of Utilities & European Developments at dcbel; President of Digital4Grids & Board Member of smarten - about how digitalisation and technological advances in Digital Twin technology will help to leapfrog DSO’s traditional asset management and allow them to address the forthcoming challenge of integrating raising numbers of Prosumers across Europe: While enabling a faster transition to an increasingly electrified system through  the deployment of solarPVs, electric vehicles, heat pumps and battery storage in residential buildings, it also increases the complexity of coordination, operations and planning activities at distribution level. Tune in and find out about the ways in which computed simulations of reality will help DSOs to live up to this major challenge.

In October 2022, the new Digital Action Plan was launched to develop a both, digital energy infrastructure & digital energy services, and ultimately, an efficient, competitive market. A central aspect of this plan is represented by the concept of Energy Data Spaces. Together with Martine Gouriet (EDF/GAIA-X), we explore what stands behind this concept and how the future energy system will rely on data-driven energy spaces to manage increasing complexity.    

The decarbonization of the transport sector is essential in the pursuit of a carbon free Europe in 2050. The 11th episode on E-mobility hosting Jan Kůla (CEZ Distribuzia) and Aaron Fishbone (GreenWay & ChargeUp Europe) gives insights on how regulatory, technical and sectoral challenges will make a fast evolution in the transport sector possible. 

This episode is fully dedicated to the preeminent topic of the last months: The electricity market design and its functionality in the face of the current energy crisis. Leonardo Meeus (Florence School of Regulation), talks to us about the viability of the current market model, the various immediate and long-term measures that have emerged, and provides insights into risks and opportunities that the proposed reform could bring.

In this episode we look together with Alberto Dognini (RWTH Aachen University & Fraunhofer FIT) and core issues related to the yet fully exploited potential of interoperability, including its cross-sectoral characteristics, different levels of data exchange as well as the role of open data and other technologies.

The future of our energy system lies in renewables whose growing use require a more reliable and resilient network. This is where energy storage will play a major role, providing flexibility and balance to the grid. In this episode, we discuss thus together with Fons Jansen (Enexis) the capacity of energy storage, possible dangers that need to be considered, the right incentives necessary for an efficient use and the role of DSOs.