Collaborative EMS Programme explores pathway to a smart and people-centred energy system

By intelligently controlling batteries, heat pumps, electric vehicles and other devices, renewable electricity can be used more efficiently while supporting local grid balance. To improve coordination in the development and scaling of EMS applications in the Netherlands, an exploration of a National EMS Programme has recently been published. TNO contributed to the study and highlighted the importance of technical, ethical, social and societal considerations.

Integrated management of the electricity system

Connectr, Earth Valley and The Green Village initiated this exploration. TKI Urban Energy and Energy Innovation NL subsequently took up the initiative and commissioned WE Labs to carry it out as a partial implementation of the Digitalisation of the Energy System Action Agenda (ADE). The ADE forms part of the broader innovation agenda for the energy system and was developed on behalf of the Dutch Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Policy (EZK/KGG).

The exploration found that the EMS sector is highly fragmented. This applies to technical, sectoral, market and societal developments. A proposed measure is therefore to strengthen the organisation and representation of the sector. This will help the sector, grid operators and government departments align policy more closely with practical needs.

The programme outlines how EMS solutions can evolve from individual initiatives into an integrated approach to managing the electricity system within a strategic public-private ecosystem. In doing so, technical, organisational and societal challenges are considered and addressed in a coherent and integrated manner.

Social conditions for smart energy management

A wide range of stakeholders were consulted as part of the exploration. TNO contributed Within the programme, attention is given to the social and societal conditions required for the successful acceptance and adoption of EMS. Key considerations include behavioural drivers, ease of understanding, the ability to act, and public values such as privacy, autonomy, fairness and transparency.

TNO emphasises that EMS applications will only achieve broad adoption when they align with the behaviour, capabilities and trust of users. It is equally important that they create value for all stakeholders, from households and local initiatives to businesses, grid operators and other professional users.

The National EMS Programme provides a framework in which technology, market design and human factors can be developed together from the outset.

An integrated approach to EMS development

The next phase focuses on strengthening coalitions around the programme lines identified in the exploration. As these take shape, the parties involved will work together to further develop the programme. TNO will remain involved as a knowledge partner, contributing expertise in social innovation, digitalisation and energy technology.

A smart energy system as a societal challenge

The Collaborative EMS Programme demonstrates that building a smart energy system is not solely a technical challenge. By explicitly incorporating social and societal considerations, it lays the foundation for an energy system that is future-proof, fair and socially resilient.