International Conference on smart grids

The Basque Energy Agency, Orkestra and TECNALIA are organising this event, in which the analysis of smart grids and their contribution as key technologies in the European Green Deal and in Recovery Plans will become particularly relevant

10 May 2022. Power grids are the backbone of the energy system and a key element to ensure efficient energy transition. In this context, the 17th International Electrical Equipment Conference will bring together more than 150 experts at the Euskalduna Conference Centre in Bilbao, on 10th and 11th May, to address aspects of the development of smart grids over the coming years in-depth and from different perspectives, in the fields of decarbonisation and sustainability of the energy system, cybersecurity and data management, as well as the role of the new user of the electricity system and energy communities.

This edition of the international event will have a special impact on the role of smart grids and their contribution as key technologies and their impact on the European Green Deal and on the Recovery Plans. Europe has established a Green Deal to become the first climate-neutral continent.

To overcome the challenges arising from climate change and environmental degradation, the European Green Deal will transform the EU into a modern, resource-efficient and competitive economy, ensuring that net greenhouse gas emissions are no longer produced by 2050; that economic growth is decoupled from the use of resources; and that people and places are not left behind.

In this context, electricity grids are key elements and the backbone for the fulfilment of the objectives set out in this Deal, as they enable interconnected energy systems and better integrated networks to be built to support renewable energy sources; promote innovative technologies and modern infrastructures; boost energy efficiency; and encourage smart integration in all sectors and enable us to develop the full potential of offshore wind power in Europe, among other things.

The Conferences and their content

This 17th edition of the International Conference promotes an important meeting forum for experts and researchers from different countries and fields. The institutional opening will be on 10th May at 9am and will be hosted by Iñigo Ansola Kareaga, General Manager of the EVE; Jesus Valero, Managing Director of TECNALIA; and Ivan Martén, Chairman of Orkestra.

The first session of the Conference will be attended by experts, such as Ignacio Asenjo, DG Energy European Commission; Miriam Bueno, Assistant Director-General for Energy Prospective, Strategy and Regulation, Ministry of Ecological Transition and Demographic Challenge; Arina Anisie, from IRENA; Pauline Henriot, from the International Energy Agency: or Marcelino Madrigal, from the Inter-American Development Bank, among other relevant speakers, who will discuss the role of electricity grids in the energy transition.

They will all answer questions related to how smart grids can drive the path to decarbonisation and sustainability; the role of grid operators and their business in this horizon; how to continue being committed to electrification in a scenario of rising electricity prices and how to obtain maximum complementarity of the co-existence of electricity grids with other energy vectors, such as hydrogen.

The conference will also be attended by leading companies from the sector: Aclara-Hubbell, Arteche, Hitachi Energy, Iberdrola, Ibil, Ingeteam, Ormazabal, Schneider Electric and Siemens, among others. Experts from these and other companies will exchange ideas and views on the current situation in the electricity sector.

• The first conference will also address the keys to cybersecurity and data management for smart grids.
• Throughout the second day, experts will delve into the role of the new user of the electricity system and the energy communities.
• The event will end with a visit to Iberdrola's Global Smart Grids Innovation Hub.

The detailed programme and further information on this 17th edition can be found at: JIEEC - International Electrical Equipment Conference.

About the Basque Energy Agency

In 1982, the Basque Government created the Basque Energy Agency (EVE) and laid the foundations for an energy policy weighted differently during different periods: energy efficiency, energy source diversification and promotion of renewable energy. Since then, the EVE has been the energy agency in charge of developing projects and initiatives in line with Government-defined policies.

About Orkestra

Orkestra-Basque Competitiveness Institute is an initiative of the Deusto Foundation (University of Deusto) that aims to be an agent of change and boost competitiveness in the service of well-being through research. To this end, it works closely with the agents of the territory and has the support of various public and private entities. Its four research laboratories are: Energy and Environment, Well-being, Public Policy and Smart Business.

About TECNALIA

As part of the BRTA (Basque Research and Technology Alliance), TECNALIA is a benchmark Research and Technological Development Centre for Europe, with 1,400 professionals representing 30 different nationalities, focusing on transforming technology into GDP to improve people’s quality of life, by creating business opportunities for companies. Its main areas of action are: Digital Transformation, Advanced Manufacturing, Energy Transition, Sustainable Mobility, Urban Ecosystem and Health.