Registration and coffee/networking

(interactive platform)

The session will focus on three main axes fundamental to energy sector: Equity-Sustainability-Security. Energy sector is of critical importance to all European countries, and it needs to meet the Green Deal and COP 26 objectives of making Europe climate-neutral continent by 2050. Europe must transform into a fair and prosperous society matching the needs of all people also with clean energy. Putting people first when reaching for the ambitious energy transition will create a resilient energy union and a healthy planet. The session will be organised as an open dialogue between policy makers, industry, researchers and innovative end-user representatives around these axes.

Coffee Break/networking

Panel Session 1: Energy to enable the transition (interactive platform)

Decentralised production of electricity and gases will require a revolutionary change in how grids that transport this energy are set up and function. A process of digitalisation that will allow a more integrated planning and operation of grid systems in electricity, gas as well as heating and cooling sectors, is needed in order to enable the transition from today’s way of how energy flows to the future ways. Electricity grid systems are most advanced in this aspect, while the grids for new gas fuels (e.g. low carbon fuels and hydrogen) and heating systems are less prepared for this change. The session will focus on: How to increase the share of renewables to match our Green Deal objectives? What digital technologies and innovations do we need to enable a more flexible and efficient handling of clean energy production and consumption for the benefit of the end user? How can the SET Plan help further?

Show case: Best Practice for Smart Grids

The operator of Slovenia’s electric power transmission network, ELES, will present their experiences in how to innovatively design and implement international smart grid projects such as the PCI project SINCRO.GRID and the Horizon 2020 projects FutureFlow and NEDO. In addition, questions on how to face regional challenges related to the integration of larger amounts of renewables into the grid, on empowerment of consumers and on creation of new business models will be addressed.

The objectives of the European Green Deal require not only large investments into energy infrastructures, but also increasing the efficiency of the use of existing infrastructures. In this regard, the EU Agency for the Cooperation of Energy Regulators (ACER) understands innovation as the main facilitator of efficiency and thus one of the core contributors to the green transition. As existing incentives appear relatively inefficient, regulatory frameworks need to adapt in order to boost the uptake of innovative solutions. ACER will present its work on fostering innovation and discuss potential new perspectives on regulatory incentives.

Lunch/networking

Panel Session 2: Energy for sustainable and inclusive society (interactive platform)

New materials, new crosscutting technologies, RES integration and new storage capacity through batteries or hydrogen will drive the energy efficiency and flexibility of built environment and mobility systems. However, to enable the diffusion of these climate-friendly technologies we must ensure they are accepted by citizens, which can often be challenging. Society’s support of the low-carbon transition as well as engagement and empowerment of local communities is a key element for moving forward. The session is aimed at setting a holistic vision on how SET plan actions related to buildings, positive energy districts or mobility for all, will be central for implementing different EU and global strategies (e.g. Renovation Wave, Circularity action Plan, the New European Bauhaus, Recommendation on Energy Poverty, UN Sustainable Development Goals). These strategies are pivotal to improving, in a fair way, the places where we work, live or move.

Panel Session 3: Energy for smart industrial growth (interactive platform)

New ambitious climate targets require us to step up with the development and deployment of clean energy. Will hydrogen and other enablers (including synthetic fuels) develop fast enough to allow decarbonisation of energy production and utilisation in industry? What could be the best energy mix for the economy and will it include new nuclear technologies (small modular reactors)? How will clean energy transition influence the competitiveness of the European industry at both production cost and for producing equipment for energy (to produce, to store, to transform and to use)?

Show case: SET Plan IWGs snapshots

The session will include a brief virtual presentation of SET plan achievements after 14 years by presenting snapshots on SET Plan IWG success stories.

Matchmaking/Exhibitions
SET Plan internal meetings

Reception/dinner

Registration and coffee/networking

High Level Session: The future of SET Plan (interactive platform)

Increased cooperation among Member States in R&I can help reach the Green Deal targets. The SET plan is the core mechanism to engage with Member States, industry and stakeholders, ensuring synergies between initiatives and provide a platform to align efforts. Horizon Europe will lend strong support to the SET Plan through the new co-funds with Member States, and co-programmed partnerships with the industry. In addition, the revised European Research Area (ERA) provides a new cross cutting approach on skills, data, infrastructures, dissemination or exchange of researchers. In particular, the EU is developing an ERA approach to hydrogen, which needs to be better linked with the SET Plan.

Outreach to the citizens

World café: How do SET Plan technologies address people’s and planet’s needs?

Coffee Break/networking

Feedback on World café and Closing remarks

Lunch/Networking