The DIGITISE project aims to enhance consumer engagement in the energy transition by developing digital tools that facilitate informed decision-making. One of its key demonstration sites is Espinardo, located in Murcia, Spain. This site plays a crucial role in testing energy flexibility and efficiency solutions, allowing consumers to actively participate in energy markets and optimise their consumption. This article presents an overview of the Espinardo demonstration site, its objectives, technologies, and the challenges associated with integrating digital energy solutions into Spain’s existing energy infrastructure.
The Espinardo demonstration site is managed by MIWenergía – an electricity retailer dedicated to helping consumers optimise electricity costs through digital tools and personalised services. The organisation prioritises customer-centric solutions and aims to develop innovative tools and business models that simplify energy management.
As part of the DIGITISE project, the retailer acts as a demonstration pilot by monitoring the electricity consumption of residential homes in Murcia. The insights gained from this pilot will inform the implementation of digital tools developed within the project. These tools, when integrated with the company’s expertise in the retail energy sector, will enable consumers to make data-driven energy decisions, ultimately contributing to a more efficient and sustainable energy system.
The DIGITISE Project Team at Espinardo
The Espinardo demonstration site benefits from a highly qualified team of experts working on the DIGITISE project. Ana García Garre, an Industrial Engineer with a PhD from UPCT, brings extensive research experience in electrical distribution networks, demand response, and electricity markets. Since joining MIWenergía in 2022, she has managed various European, national, and regional innovation projects. Her research focuses on load modelling for the optimisation of renewable energy resources, particularly through demand response strategies in the residential and service sectors.
Elena Ruiz, also an Industrial Engineer from UPCT, has a professional background in energy efficiency in the food and beverage industry, where she managed projects related to environmental and energy objectives. Since 2024, she has been part of MIWenergía’s innovation team, contributing to the development and implementation of energy efficiency solutions.
Objectives of the Espinardo Demonstration Site
The primary objective of the Espinardo demonstration site is to empower consumers in the energy transition by leveraging digital technologies. The project aims to:
- Enable direct and automated consumer participation in flexibility markets, ensuring fair compensation for contributions to electricity system decarbonisation and grid resilience.
- Extract and analyse data-driven insights to increase consumer engagement in the data economy, allowing them to access value-added digital energy services.
- Provide decision-support tools for cost-effective investments in renewable energy sources (RES) and flexible assets, guiding consumers towards financially viable energy solutions.
By achieving these objectives, the demonstration site will contribute to the broader DIGITISE vision of integrating consumers into the energy transition process.
Technologies and Digital Tools Under Evaluation
Several innovative digital tools are being tested at the Espinardo demonstration site to improve energy flexibility and efficiency for consumers and prosumers. These include:
- AI Baseline Energy & Cross-Sector Analytics
- Household Digital Twin Application
- Energy Savings & Self-Consumption Tools
- Asset Investment Optimisation App
- Health & Security App
- Flexibility Marketplace App
- Omni-Channel UX Interfaces
These technologies are expected to significantly improve consumer engagement in renewable energy adoption by simplifying energy management and making participation in energy markets more accessible.
Consumer Engagement in Spain’s Energy Transition
Spain has committed to ambitious energy targets, including an 81% renewable electricity share by 2030 and climate neutrality by 2050. National policies, such as incentives for renewable energy installations and smart grid deployment, are expected to accelerate consumer participation in energy markets.
With the increasing availability of digital platforms and smart technologies, consumers are becoming more proactive in managing their energy consumption. These tools will empower households to optimise their energy use, reduce costs, and actively contribute to decarbonisation efforts. The Espinardo demonstration site plays a vital role in this transition by testing digital solutions that enhance consumer engagement and decision-making.
Challenges in Integrating Digital Energy Solutions
Despite Spain’s progress in renewable energy adoption, several challenges remain in integrating digital energy solutions into the existing energy infrastructure:
- Grid Modernisation – Spain’s electricity grid requires upgrades to accommodate increasing renewable energy penetration and fluctuating demand patterns.
- Cybersecurity Risks – The digitalisation of energy systems introduces cybersecurity vulnerabilities that must be addressed to ensure grid stability and consumer data protection.
- Intermittency of Renewable Energy Sources – The integration of intermittent energy sources, such as solar and wind power, necessitates advanced energy storage and management solutions.
- Investment in Technology and Skills – Significant investment is required in new technologies and workforce training to facilitate the deployment and maintenance of digital energy solutions.
- Regulatory and Policy Frameworks – A clear and stable regulatory environment is essential to encourage investment in digital energy technologies and ensure their integration into national energy systems.
How DIGITISE Addresses These Challenges?
The DIGITISE project is designed to overcome these challenges by empowering consumers with digital tools that facilitate informed energy management. By integrating real-time data analytics, automation, and AI-driven decision-making, DIGITISE enables consumers to actively participate in energy markets and benefit from demand-side flexibility opportunities.
Additionally, the project supports grid modernisation by demonstrating how digital tools can improve load balancing, demand forecasting, and energy storage management. Through a consumer-centric approach, DIGITISE fosters greater engagement in the energy transition, ensuring that individuals and communities play an active role in shaping a more sustainable energy future.
Conclusion
The Espinardo demonstration site is a key component of the DIGITISE project, testing innovative digital solutions that enhance consumer energy management. By providing real-world insights into how households interact with digital energy tools, this site contributes to the broader objective of integrating consumers into flexibility markets and the data economy.
As Spain continues its transition towards a more decentralised and digitalised energy system, the findings from this demonstration site will inform future policies, infrastructure investments, and consumer engagement strategies. The work carried out at Espinardo highlights the critical role of digitalisation in making the energy transition accessible, efficient, and financially viable for all stakeholders.
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