Ljubljana, December 5, 2024

Top experts from the energy industry gathered at the Digital Energy Summit ’24 to explore how Digitalization is powering the Green Revolution! Representatives from major companies such as Huawei, Siemens Energy, ELES, GEN-I, and Končar highlighted the pivotal role of advanced technologies—from artificial intelligence (AI) and automation to digital twins and smart grids—in improving energy efficiency, sustainability, and cybersecurity.

Opening the Digital Energy Summit ’24, Mojca Černelč Koprivnikar addresses how collaboration and bold decision-making will make sure that digital transformation serves as the foundation for a cleaner, smarter, and more resilient energy future.

The Importance of Digitalization in Achieving a Sustainable Future

Vladimir Milošević from Huawei outlined that a long-term, holistic approach to digitalization is key to the success of the European Green Deal. He pointed out that solutions such as smart grids, electric vehicle infrastructure, and energy storage will play central roles in Europe’s transition to cleaner energy. However, to fully unlock the potential of these technologies, coordinated efforts and integrated investments are needed to overcome the fragmentation that currently exists in Europe’s digital transformation.

Opportunities Emerging from the Digitalization of Energy

The digitalization of energy presents new opportunities for decentralized systems and active consumer participation. As energy consumers become more involved, they can now share energy data and participate in local energy communities, transforming traditional energy structures. Insights from Hrvoje Keko of Argovolt showcased real-world examples of how digitalization is driving both challenges and opportunities through research projects and pilot implementations aimed at building smarter, more efficient energy networks.

Flexibility of Demand: Key to the Energy System of the Future

Jan Kostevc from ACER discussed how the growing use of renewable energy sources (RES) requires more flexibility in energy consumption. As traditional energy generators play a smaller role in balancing the grid, consumers are becoming essential for grid stability. Kostevc emphasized that flexibility not only helps balance production and consumption but also makes the grid more efficient, reducing the need for traditional infrastructure expansion.

Roundtable on Advanced Technologies: Addressing the Challenges of the Energy Sector

During a roundtable discussion moderated by Andrej Souvent from Operato, experts discussed the challenges posed by integrating advanced technologies into the energy sector. Frank Amand from Operato emphasized the importance of addressing cybersecurity risks as connectivity in energy systems increases. AI, recognized as a potential game-changer for the sector, also requires a gradual introduction due to the reliance on outdated infrastructure and a shortage of qualified professionals. Tihomir Jaković from Siemens Energy and Domagaj Stunić from Končar echoed these concerns, with Jaković stressing the need for a phased approach to AI adoption, while Stunić highlighted the growing importance of upgrading systems to keep pace with technological advancements in the sector.

The Role of AI and Digitalization in the Future of Heating and Cooling

Gaia Balzarini from Danfoss and Matteo Pozzi from Optit & DHC+ highlighted the role of AI and digitalization in optimizing energy efficiency and supporting the decarbonization of heating and cooling systems. Balzarini focused on the impact of building automation systems (BACS) in enabling zero-energy buildings and meeting high energy performance standards. Pozzi presented advanced decision-support systems that help utilities improve their competitiveness while ensuring sustainability in energy systems.

Round table: Data, Innovation, and the Path to Transformation

At the Digital Energy Summit ’24, these experts gathered for a roundtable discussion on how data and digitalization are shifting the future of this industry. Lev Prislan from GEN-I talked about how the company uses data-driven strategies to align analytics with business goals for smarter energy solutions. Thomas Fürstner and Robby Schwertner from RDDL introduced their decentralized physical infrastructure network (DePIN) based on the Bitcoin blockchain, offering a new way to enhance energy distribution.

Dr. Andrej Bregar from Informatika highlighted the importance of next-generation cybersecurity strategies in strengthening energy systems. Ursula Krisper from Elektro Ljubljana shared insights on how digital tools are transforming energy efficiency across sectors. At the Digital Energy Summit ’24, Dino Ravnić, CEO of GIS Cloud, shared how digital transformation is revolutionizing field operations in the energy sector, with GIS Cloud supporting 4 million new data collections annually. He emphasized balancing innovation with practicality by building on existing processes, keeping solutions simple yet effective, and adapting technology to users rather than forcing change.

The roundtable wrapped up with a conversation on the future of energy digitalization, where the experts discussed the missing pieces needed to fully unlock the potential of these innovations in the energy sector.

Innovative Solutions Shaping the Future of Energy

The Digital Energy Summit ’24 demonstrated seven best practice cases featuring cutting-edge technologies like NG-SOC, digital twins, decentralized energy platforms, and advanced analytics.

Through encouraging cooperation between customers and energy providers to achieve sustainability goals, these creative solutions are assisting in the development of a future with more effective, safe, and inclusive energy networks.

The Digital Energy Summit ’24 made one thing clear: the future of energy isn’t just on the horizon—it’s happening now. We’re at a pivotal moment where bold decisions, fueled by data and innovation, will define whether we succeed in creating a sustainable, green energy world. The time to act is not tomorrow—it’s today.