It’s about how we apply technology to create an inclusive and sustainable energy ecosystem!

As part of our #DIGITISETeam campaign, we are delighted to introduce Dimitrios Fotis, EU Project Coordinator at METLEN. Dimitrios manages METLEN’s contributions to the DIGITISE project, leveraging his expertise in economics and business strategy to foster innovation and drive sustainability in the energy sector.

In this interview, Dimitrios shares insights into his motivations, METLEN’s involvement in DIGITISE, and the work being undertaken at the Greek Living Lab, Aspra Spitia. He also highlights the collaborative efforts between consortium members, the strategies for engaging consumers in energy flexibility markets, and his vision for a sustainable and customer-centric energy future.

Q: Tell us a little about yourself. What motivates you? What are you focused on nowadays?

I have a background in economics and business strategy, with a focus on driving growth and development. Over the years, I’ve been passionate about fostering innovation and applying it to create new business models and products, particularly in the energy sector. My work centers on developing customer-centric solutions that deliver real value while addressing the evolving needs of the market. I’m deeply motivated by the interconnectedness of organisations and countries collaborating within EU programs. This cooperative exchange of knowledge and expertise inspires me as it holds immense potential to create a better, more sustainable future for energy and its consumers.

Q: Can you tell us more about your responsibilities in your company and what METLEN does?

At METLEN Energy & Metals, I serve as an EU Project Coordinator within the Energy Customer Solutions department. My primary responsibility is managing the EU projects that METLEN participates in, specifically those in the energy sector through Protergia.

Protergia, as a key part of METLEN’s operations, focuses on providing integrated energy solutions. It combines innovation and sustainability to meet the needs of modern energy consumers. With a strong emphasis on customer-centric solutions, Protergia is dedicated to delivering efficient energy management services, promoting renewable energy adoption, and driving forward sustainable practices within the energy ecosystem. My role involves ensuring that METLEN’s participation in EU-funded initiatives aligns with these goals, fostering collaboration across stakeholders and contributing to the development of innovative energy models that benefit both consumers and the environment.

Q: Now, let us know about your and METLEN’s role at DIGITISE. What do you do, and what is the most rewarding thing about it?  Could you outline the key activities METLEN will oversee within the demonstration sites, particularly in the Greek Living Lab, and how these activities align with DIGITISE’s broader goals? 

As a EU Project Coordinator in METLEN’s Energy Customer Solutions department, I play a central role in managing METLEN’s contributions to DIGITISE. Our focus within the project is on fostering innovation and applying cutting-edge energy management solutions to create customer-centric models that support DIGITISE’s goals of digital transformation and sustainability.

METLEN participates in DIGITISE with a demonstration site, the Aspra Spitia Community, which serves as the pilot site for all demonstration activities within the program. This Living Lab is critical for testing and implementing the DIGITISE solution, showcasing its potential for broader adoption.

The key activity METLEN oversees in the Aspra Spitia Community includes the Living Lab Validation, using the Aspra Spitia Community as a testing ground to refine and validate the DIGITISE solution in a real-world setting, ensuring scalability and adaptability for other sites.

The most rewarding aspect of our involvement in DIGITISE is the collaborative effort across stakeholders to design and implement solutions that make a tangible impact. By transforming the Aspra Spitia Community into a functional Living Lab, we are setting the foundation for replicable and scalable innovations that align with DIGITISE’s broader goals of promoting sustainable energy practices and enhancing consumer engagement. Being at the forefront of such meaningful advancements is deeply fulfilling and reinforces METLEN’s commitment to sustainable energy solutions. 

Q: How does METLEN collaborate with other consortium members and work packages to ensure integrated solutions within DIGITISE?

At METLEN, we collaborate closely with other consortium members to ensure integrated solutions within DIGITISE. As leaders of Work Package 6 (WP6), which focuses on Demonstration, Evaluation, and Impact Assessment, we oversee the implementation of the Living Lab at Aspra Spitia, where we test and refine the DIGITISE solutions. Our role ensures that all solutions are aligned with the project’s goals and are scalable, customer-centric, and impactful. By working with other partners, we integrate various technologies and insights to deliver a comprehensive approach to the energy transition. 

Q: How does METLEN plan to engage consumers in the Greek demonstration sites, and what strategies will you use to ensure effective participation in energy flexibility markets?

At METLEN, engaging consumers in the Greek demonstration sites, particularly at Aspra Spitia, is central to our approach. We plan to involve them by providing user-friendly digital tools and platforms that enable them to monitor, manage, and optimise their energy consumption. Through educational initiatives and tailored solutions, we aim to raise awareness about the benefits of energy flexibility. To ensure effective participation in energy flexibility markets, we will incentivise consumers with real-time feedback and rewards, while promoting the adoption of smart technologies that enable them to adjust their energy usage based on market signals and grid demands.

Q: Any words to end?

Through the interconnection and innovation driven by the DIGITISE program and its solutions, our goal is to deliver excellence to customers, paving the way for a brighter future in the energy sector. It’s not just about the technology, but how we apply it to create an inclusive and sustainable energy ecosystem. I’m excited to see how DIGITISE will contribute to this evolving landscape and help shape a more efficient, customer-centric energy future for all.

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