HYSTORE’s Engagement in BRIDGE Regulation Working Group

Bridge-GA-2025-participants

The BRIDGE Regulation Working Group (WG) was established as part of the BRIDGE initiative to foster knowledge sharing among H2020 projects addressing regulatory challenges in the energy domain. The WG operates yearly, tackling key regulatory topics that impact the energy sector and generating reports that inform both the BRIDGE community and a broader audience. The group maintains a dynamic structure, with projects joining and leaving as they evolve, ensuring continuous discussion on emerging regulatory issues. It also collaborates with other BRIDGE WGs and external entities such as ISGAN and ETIP SNET.

The WG identifies the most pressing regulatory challenges, proposes best practices from BRIDGE projects, and formulates policy recommendations. Key areas of focus include market access for flexibility, collective flexibility within energy communities, sector coupling and integration, market coordination, and data spaces. Recent regulatory initiatives such as REPower EU, the Digitalisation of Energy Action Plan, and the reform of the EU Electricity Market Design have further highlighted the importance of these topics.

HYSTORE’s Role in Action 4 – Support the Potential Synergies from Increased Sector Coupling/Sector Integration/System Integration

 

HYSTORE plays a central role in Action 4 within the Regulation WG, which aims to enhance synergies across energy sectors through sector coupling and integration. 

Energy system of today v. System integration
Energy system of today v. System integration

As a co-leader of this action, HYSTORE contributes expertise in energy storage and inter-sectoral collaboration, helping to address barriers and maximize the benefits of linking electricity, heat, gas, and mobility systems. This work supports the ongoing development of flexible and resilient energy markets.

Action 4 follows a structured methodology to identify barriers and opportunities in sector coupling.

Methodology followed by Action 4
Methodology followed by Action 4

Initially, a survey was conducted among 30 Horizon 2020 and Horizon Europe projects to assess existing challenges in cross-sector integration. The key barriers identified include:

  • Data interoperability: The lack of standardized communication protocols hinders integration across sectors.

  • Data access and privacy: Differences in customer consent management and regulatory frameworks create obstacles for real-time data sharing.

  • Market mechanisms: Limited access for aggregators, restrictions on dynamic pricing, and regulatory uncertainty slow down sector integration.

  • Network regulations: Outdated grid operational procedures limit the participation of new energy carriers and services.

  • Stakeholder coordination: Enhanced collaboration between DSOs, TSOs, and market participants is needed to unlock synergies.

These results were published in 2023 in the BRIDGE Annual Report 2023. 

The preliminary findings of Action 4 were a milestone in planning the actions for the year 2024. The General Assembly in March 2025 was a key event to review the actions taken and the state of the art on this Action. 

HYSTORE at the BRIDGE General Assembly 2025

On March 25–26, the BRIDGE General Assembly 2025 took place in Brussels, bringing together key stakeholders from across Europe to discuss digitalization, innovation, and competitiveness in the energy sector.

David Verez – WATTEGA (ARCbcn & ERF) from HYSTORE attended the event and contributed to discussions on accelerating the energy transition through citizen involvement and smart solutions.

Among the highlights of the Assembly were updates from the European Commission on current energy policies and upcoming funding opportunities. The sessions led by the BRIDGE Working Groups explored pressing issues such as consumer and citizen engagement, data management, regulation, and innovative business models—providing a comprehensive overview of challenges and opportunities in the sector.

HYSTORE was represented at the Assembly as part of its leadership in Action 4, where the initiative’s results were presented. While individual projects were not directly showcased, HYSTORE’s contributions were highlighted through discussions on the technical and policy implications of sector coupling and how regulatory frameworks can support innovative energy solutions.

Beyond the formal sessions, the event provided a valuable platform for networking and exchange, reinforcing the importance of collaboration across projects and sectors.

Expanding HYSTORE’s Impact

Beyond Action 4, HYSTORE also actively engages in the BRIDGE Business Models WG and the Data Management WG, further expanding its impact in shaping the future of energy regulation. Additionally, the Regulation WG’s work aligns with key policy initiatives such as the Network Code for Demand Side Flexibility and the EU Electricity Market Design reform, ensuring that BRIDGE projects contribute to broader regulatory developments.

Stay tuned for more updates on HYSTORE’s contributions to the evolving regulatory landscape within the BRIDGE initiative.