Intensive Course Energy System Integration

Towards a Future-Proof, Affordable, and Reliable Energy System

Today’s energy system is largely built on parallel, vertical energy value chains (power, gas, heating, and transport), which rigidly link specific energy resources with specific end-use sectors. This model cannot deliver a climate-neutral economy because it is technically and economically inefficient.

The decarbonised European energy system of the future will be built on energy system integration, defined by the EU as “the coordinated planning and operation of the energy system as a whole, across multiple energy carriers, infrastructures, and consumption sectors.”

In the vision of the EU, existing and emerging technologies, processes, and business models, such as ICT, digitalisation, smart grids, smart meters and flexibility markets will work together to create an optimised system which will open up new opportunities for businesses and consumers.

For example, the growth in the number of electric vehicles will increasingly link the power sector with the transport sector, but also with the building sector where most of the charging stations are located. The electrification of transport can only succeed if these various systems are seamlessly integrated with the help of advanced technologies.

How you benefit 

• Understand how the energy system interacts and how it can be optimised by integrating it 
• Learn from experienced industry leaders and top academic 
• Acquire international network of peers and experts

About the programme 

This three-day intensive course, led by experienced industry leaders and top academics, offers an exceptional opportunity to participate in this exciting new development in the heart of the energy transition.

You will be brought up to date on the EU Strategy for Energy System Integration, presented in July 2020 by the European Commission, and on all the latest developments by experts who are actively involved in these processes.

You will develop an understanding of how energy systems interact and how to best put your own energy expertise at work within the larger context of the energy transition. The course will cover a variety of topics including regulation, the future of energy systems and the psychology of consumer behaviour.

What you learn 

The main topics and learning objectives of the course are the following:

• What is sector integration and how does it optimise and modernise the energy system? 
• What is the role of power-to-X and hydrogen in the new system and how do these relate to renewable energy generation and energy storage requirements? 
• How will energy system integration increase flexibility, what is the role of smart grids and smart meters, how do we guarantee security of supply and how will prosumers be brought into the system as enablers for a better managed energy network and more efficient consumption? 
• What market designs and regulations are needed to increase flexibility and incentivise the deployment of new and different technologies? How can digitalisation help to bring more renewable energy into the system and to achieve other decarbonisation objectives?

Who should attend

This programme is designed for professionals with a basic understanding of how energy markets work and who have an interest in sustainable development. This includes consultants and professionals in the energy sector and people who deal with energy issues for example in government agencies or local governments.