Interviews

Guiding Smarter Energy Decisions with Unparallel’s Role in Consumer-Focused Innovation

In this interview, we speak with Tiago Teixeira, COO at Unparallel (UNP) about their technical contributions to the DIGITISE project, particularly in empowering consumers to make informed energy decisions. With a clear focus on the household level, Unparallel is responsible for developing the Asset Sizing Application, a tool designed to guide users in choosing energy-efficient investments based on personalised consumption data.

D: What specific technical responsibilities will Unparallel (UNP) undertake in the development and deployment of the DIGITISE project's interoperable IoT platform? 

T: UNPARALLEL is responsible for developing an application that helps consumers improve their household energy efficiency. The tool will offer various investment scenarios related to renovations, renewable energy sources (RES), and flexible assets. Based on consumer input, the application will generate tailored case scenarios and guide users in selecting the most suitable solution for their needs.

D: How UNP contributes to the integration of pilot site data and hardware into the project's digital infrastructure?

T: UNPARALLEL focuses primarily on the consumer side. We plan to use data collected from each household to provide tailored guidance to homeowners. This will support informed investment in energy-efficient solutions, aimed not only at improving household energy performance but also at reducing dependence on electricity from the grid.

D: In what ways UNP supports the creation or adaptation of digital tools for energy management within the demonstration sites? 

T: The UNPARALLEL Asset Sizing Application enables household owners to understand the value of data generated by their appliances. By illustrating the practical benefits of digital tools, the application supports better household energy management—from optimising grid energy use to providing investment recommendations in renewable energy technologies. These investments can significantly improve energy efficiency and reduce household energy costs.

D: What are UNP's objectives concerning stakeholder engagement and feedback during the implementation of their solutions across the DIGITISE pilot sites?

T: We hope household owners will actively use the Asset Sizing Application and provide feedback—not only regarding its features but also in terms of user experience and ease of use. UNPARALLEL plans to release multiple versions of the application, incorporating improvements based on stakeholder input to better serve user needs throughout the project.

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by agnieszka@australo.org

Activating Prosumers through AI - UCD’s Role in Advancing Digital Tools for DIGITISE

In this interview, we spoke with Vlasis Koutsos, Research Assistant at University College Dublin (UCD), about the university’s contribution to the DIGITISE project. With strong expertise in machine learning and behavioural modelling, UCD plays a key role in developing digital applications that place consumers, especially prosumers, at the center of the energy transition. Vlasis shares how UCD’s work is supporting energy and well-being literacy through AI-powered tools, promoting more informed and secure household energy use. He also discusses the collaborative efforts within DIGITISE, the expected outcomes, and how their research could inform future policies for a more sustainable and user-driven energy ecosystem in Europe. 

D: What is UCD’s core expertise in the DIGITISE project, and how does it support the overall mission of digital transformation in energy communities? 

V: What we bring into the mix is a rich experience and deep understanding of design and implementation techniques that enable the prosumers to enjoy tailored, personalized, services using state-of-the-art machine learning tools. More precisely we will utilize these tools and techniques to develop two applications that will empower prosumers towards an even better energy, and health and security literacy, bettering their lives overall. 

 

D: Could you describe the main tools or methodologies UCD is developing within the project and how they are expected to empower consumers? 

We focus on delivering a suite of components that will collectively express the functionalities of our applications. To realize the Health and Security Application, amongst others, we will develop an AI-powered profiling engine that will be responsible for analyzing user behavior and household usage patterns. It will extract patterns based on daily routines, enabling the system to adapt to each household's unique needs. This engine will detect deviations from typical behavior that may indicate potential health or security risks. Last, based on these insights and patterns, the engine will make decisions to either trigger automated control actions or issue contextual recommendations aimed at improving both comfort and safety. In an analogous manner, the Behavioural Profiling and Insights Application will rely on the Behavioural Profiling Engine. This core component will use diverse data sources and apply behavioural modelling techniques to generate meaningful insights. It will ingest real-time IoT data from smart meters and indoor environmental sensors, which will then be contextualized through integration with Household Digital Twin representations. Using segmentation and clustering algorithms, the engine will identify distinct behavioural patterns and consumer profiles. The dynamicity of the functionality of this application allows for the ongoing update of user profiles with lifestyle indicators and emerging behavioural traits. 

D: In what ways is UCD collaborating with other partners to ensure interoperability, data accuracy, and usability of digital tools? 

V: We are collaborating with other partners mainly in two ways: (i) in developing the two applications mentioned above (health and security, and behavioural analytics) that communicate with other DIGITISE components for getting data and other outputs, and (ii) in reviewing and providing feedback to other tasks across work packages. Other than that, our developed applications are tailored to the needs of the prosumers it services and is harmoniously incorporated into the broader DIGITISE solutions ecosystem. 

D: What outcomes does UCD aim to deliver by the end of the project, and how will these contribute to broader energy efficiency or consumer engagement objectives? 

V: Our focus is the well-being and energy literacy of the prosumers. Through both our applications, users can identify ways to better their living conditions and associate them with their behavioural habits.  

D: How do you envision UCD’s work in DIGITISE influencing future policies or initiatives within the European energy transition framework? 

V: First, we are aiming to design and implement innovative elements into our applications’ infrastructure, leading to corresponding advancements in the field. Additionally, we aspire for our core techniques to be of independent interest in the broader research community, and specifically applicable within the European energy transition framework. Via understanding better the prosumers behaviors and advancing their quality of life, prosumers can actively contribute to the sustainability and decarbonization goals. 

D: Thank you for your time, and we are waiting for more updates from UCD!

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by agnieszka@australo.org

How to maximise DIGITISE visibility? - Interview with AUSTRALO - Dissemination Leader

In this interview, we speak with Giulia and Aga from AUSTRALO, who lead the Communication, Dissemination, and Exploitation activities in the DIGITISE project. With complementary backgrounds in EU project management, marketing, and strategic communication, they share how they came to collaborate on DIGITISE and their approach to making the project’s work visible, engaging, and impactful.

D: Hi Giulia and Aga! Could you tell us about your academic and professional backgrounds, and how you got to work together on DIGITISE? 

G: I began my professional journey working on EU-funded R&I projects under the FP7 programme, shortly after completing my MSc in Political Science and EU Affairs. Initially, my role focused on the administrative and financial dimensions of project management. However, my path soon evolved toward Dissemination and Communication, where I discovered a true passion: helping researchers transform their complex scientific results into accessible and engaging content. I also support them in aligning with EC Open Science guidelines, ultimately enhancing the visibility and impact of their work through high-quality scientific dissemination. 

At DIGITISE, I work side by side with my colleague Aga, managing the work package related to Dissemination, Communication, and Exploitation (WP7). This involves organising D&C activities and crafting captivating communication campaigns, as well as investing greater effort into networking activities, with our team being one of the founders of the E-NERGY cluster.

A: I've been dedicated to the marketing field for 18 years, starting just after graduating from the University of Łódź, where I studied journalism, followed by further studies in Public Relations at the Warsaw School of Economics. My professional background includes working in public relations agencies, particularly in the interior design, construction, and health sectors. For the past six years, I've been involved in EU-funded projects, where I was focused on Dissemination and Communication work package activities. I also handled specific tasks such as coordinating living labs, liaising with sister projects, and supporting exploitation efforts. What I enjoy most is creating content, developing visual concepts, and planning communication strategies around these projects. It's especially rewarding to contribute to initiatives that bring innovative solutions to the European market, particularly in areas like digital transformation, AI in manufacturing, future connectivity, and cybersecurity.

At DIGITISE, we bring together Aga’s exceptional creativity and multimedia design talent with Giulia’s in-depth expertise in EU-funded projects and strong organisational skill, enabling us to contribute not only visually engaging and impactful content but also strategic insight, reliable coordination, and a deep understanding of complex project frameworks.

​​D: What role does Australo (AUS) play in the communication, dissemination, and exploitation work package of the DIGITISE project?

Australo is leading Work Package 7 (WP7), which focuses on Communication, Dissemination, and Exploitation. Within this work package, we are responsible for two key tasks: one dedicated to Networking activities, aimed at building strategic relationships and fostering collaboration with relevant EU projects and initiatives; and the other focused on the dissemination and communication of the project, ensuring the project's results, goals, and progress are effectively shared with target audiences through tailored messaging, channels, and formats.

AUSTRALO was one of the founding partners of the E-NERGY Cluster. Together with the DIGITISE’s sister projects funded under the call HORIZON-CL5-2023-D3-03-04— CELINE, DECODIT, ENERGENIUS, and EU-DREAM — we have joined forces to create this collaboration to empower consumers in the energy sector by using digital technologies to make energy information more accessible and engaging. By working together, the projects seek to break down barriers, fostering greater public participation in the energy transition.  

Thanks to a well-structured meeting framework and a strong spirit of collaboration, the cluster has already planned a series of impactful joint activities aimed at amplifying its reach and influence:

  • Open Letter on Energy Community Barriers: A collaborative Open Letter will be published on the Open Research Europe Platform, aiming to identify and raise awareness of the persistent barriers that prevent energy communities from scaling beyond the pilot stage. The letter will draw on insights from multiple projects within the cluster, presenting a unified voice to influence policy and regulatory frameworks at the European level.
  • Workshops and Podcasts: Beginning in Autumn 2025, the cluster will launch a series of joint workshops and podcast episodes. These activities are designed to foster knowledge exchange, highlight project outcomes, and engage diverse audiences — from policy makers and researchers to local communities and energy stakeholders.
  • Participation in Major European Events: The cluster will take part in high-level European conferences such as Sustainable Places and Enlit Europe, where members will co-organise sessions, present joint findings, and network with key players in the energy transition landscape.

 

D: What are the specific goals of AUS regarding outreach, visibility, and stakeholder alignment throughout the project’s lifecycle?

We, at AUSTRALO, are committed to making this project visible, engaging, and impactful from start to finish. Our specific goals are:

Maximising Project Visibility
We will build and maintain a strong presence for the project across digital platforms and real-world channels. From social media and the project website to events and media coverage, we will create a clear visual identity and a compelling narrative that consistently showcases the project’s purpose and progress.

Engaging Target Audiences Effectively
Different audiences need different approaches. We will develop tailored messages and content formats to deliver information that is relevant, timely, and meaningful to each stakeholder group, especially citizens who are at the core of the DIGITISE work.

Supporting the Dissemination of Results
To make sure the project’s findings, the work done in the demo and the applications developed, as well as the solutions, are openly disseminated, we will share them at the right time and in the right formats, always keeping in mind the open nature of EU-funded projects. We aim to encourage wider uptake and inspire others to build on the project’s results.

D: In what ways does AUS support the development and implementation of the project’s branding and digital communication materials?

Branding plays a crucial role in science communication, serving as a bridge between complex research and public understanding. A strong and consistent brand identity helps scientific projects establish credibility, build trust with diverse audiences, and enhance the visibility of their work across various channels. 

In a landscape where information competes for attention, effective branding ensures that key messages are not only seen but also remembered. It creates coherence across communication materials, whether it's a website, social media, presentations, or publications—reinforcing the project's purpose and values. For collaborative or EU-funded initiatives, branding also fosters unity among partners and strengthens stakeholder engagement by making the science more approachable, relatable, and impactful.

 

By keeping this in mind, AUSTRALO worked to define a well-structured branding, in line with the mission of the project: a future where consumers and prosumers are digitally empowered, actively engaged in energy activities and markets, and play a pivotal role in the global energy transition. 

The DIGITISE logo represents the centrality of the final user for the project, and how everything is developed around this goal. The logo features two rings with rounded elements surrounding a central core with the initial letter “D” created using negative space. This logo concept is the perfect representation of the centrality the customer figure has in the whole project and the key role of information flow for DIGITISE.

The DIGITISE branding concept has been consistently incorporated across all dissemination materials, including leaflets, brochures, business cards, presentation templates, roll-up banners, social media channels, and the project website. All visual elements, such as colour schemes, typography, and layout structures, are carefully aligned to ensure a coherent and recognisable brand identity both online and during physical events and conferences. As AUSTRALO, we are responsible for creating the branding concept, designing the visuals, preparing the content, and managing the publication, dissemination, and printing of materials as required, ensuring a unified and professional presence across all communication platforms.

D: Thank you for your time!

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by agnieszka@australo.org

Bringing Citizens into the Energy Conversation - An Interview with Benoît Verhulst of Missions Publiques

How can citizens play an active role in shaping the future of our energy systems? In this interview, Benoît Verhulst, Participatory Process Manager at Missions Publiques, shares how his team is supporting the DIGITISE project through inclusive, deliberative engagement. With experience across local and international initiatives, Benoît explains the importance of high-quality dialogue, long-term community involvement, and linking digital innovation with real-life needs. Discover how Energy Dialogues are helping shape digital tools that reflect the voices of everyday users and why building trust is essential for energy transitions across Europe.

D: Tell us a little about yourself, your background and the journey that has brought you to DIGITISE. Can you introduce also the MP’s team working on the project?  

BV: Hello! My name is Benoît Verhulst and I have worked for Missions Publiques as a Participatory Process Manager for the past five years. I have worked on deliberative processes at various levels, ranging from the local level in Belgium to international initiatives. Although I have a background in law, it is not really linked to my current role, which mainly involves coordinating projects and partners on large-scale processes. This is my third Horizon project and Digitise is linked to one I previously worked on, which focused on energy communities.  I work closely with Antoine Vergne, who is the co-director of Missions Publiques and head of international partnerships. He supervises various Horizon projects and has 20 years' experience in European projects.

 D: How does Missions Publiques’ expertise in stakeholder engagement and deliberative processes contribute to the objectives of the DIGITISE project? 

BV: Our aim is to help decision-makers create better policies. To achieve this, we use collective intelligence and collaboration. The idea is to give a voice to those who may benefit from or be impacted by a policy because they have expertise and an opinion on it as consumers, citizens and users. Digitise's objective is to create technical/digital support to help consumers better understand and manage the energy system. Before doing this, however, we want to hear from those consumers because they are best placed to indicate what they want and how they would use such support. We go beyond a one-sided poll: here, we try to involve the participants in creating this new technical/digital support because, ultimately, we want it to be useful to them. 

D: What role do you play in designing and facilitating community interaction within energy pilots, and how do you ensure inclusive participation? 

BV: As mentioned above, we want to go beyond the poll and facilitate in-depth discussions and deliberative processes with the participants. Our role is to ensure that these discussions are of a high quality. Quality is expressed in three ways: 

  • The logistical aspects of events (venue, catering and communication). 
  • The methodology of the discussions: discussions must be moderated and facilitated using various discussion and expression methods. 
  • The content must be linked to the experiences of the participants and must be concrete. To achieve this, we rely on our partners who work with the community on the ground. 

Participants to our events (the so called “energy dialogues”) need to understand where we are going, why we are going in that direction, and that we want to do more than make criticisms and observations; we want to find arguments and, eventually, solutions. 

With regard to the three aforementioned aspects, particular attention must be paid to inclusivity. On this, we can count on our partners on the ground who already know the participants/targeted community. Nevertheless, the Digitise process is long-term, so we need to ensure that participants at our events stay involved. To achieve this, we will need to diversify the means of interaction and demonstrate the progress of the Digitise project, showing participants how they can contribute.  

D: How do the Energy Dialogues activities organised by Missions Publiques influence the development and adaptation of the digital tools in the project? 

BV: We envisage the Energy Dialogues as a citizen counterpart to the technical discussions that will take place within the Digitise project. The aim is to establish a permanent dialogue between citizens and our team, so that we can learn from each other. Currently, there are plenty of digital tools with various functions and possibilities, but efficiency and user experience are always the deciding factors. Through this dialogue, we hope to refine the tool throughout the process, ensuring it meets the needs of the participants. Beyond the creation of this tool, the Energy dialogues will also give us a lot of information on how people understand and look at the energy system. 

D: In what ways are you working with local authorities and citizens to build trust and long-term commitment to energy communities? 

BV: If we want a community to improve its energy literacy, there is no one-size-fits-all solution. We need to work with all the stakeholders involved, especially the citizens. Currently, energy is seen as an individual matter: everyone has their own energy provider, and we only consider the energy that arrives at our house. What we want to emphasize is that energy is a system and a commonality, and that we may need to change the way we view energy in our lives. This will require long-term vision -because the change won’t happen in a few years-and the smooth transfer of knowledge about how energy arrives at our houses. While energy may seem abstract to people, they are interested in the discussion when they see their energy bills rising. 

 D: What broader impact do you hope your contribution to DIGITISE will have on civic involvement in energy transitions across Europe? 

The question of energy, especially access to it, is linked to many socio-economic issues worth exploring that could improve community life. Therefore, we want to link energy policy with other policies affecting citizens. This project also raised the issue of digital literacy: how can digital tools really help people to expand their knowledge and change their habits? This is a significant issue for us because in each project we work on, people want to see more digital tools, applications and software, but often these already exist, and people are either unaware of them or reluctant to use them. Our challenge in this process will therefore be twofold: first, what will make people look for information on an online tool, and secondly, how can we transform that into a change of habits? 

D: Thank you for your time!

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by agnieszka@australo.org

Citizen Energy in Croatia: An Interview with Melani Furlan (ZEZ) on Community-Driven Innovation in DIGITISE

Today, we are talking with Melani Furlan, a Community Energy and Solar Design Engineer at ZEZ, to learn more about the Croatian demonstration site for the DIGITISE project. With seven years of experience at ZEZ, Melani has been actively driving social and technological innovation to support locally produced and community-managed renewable energy systems. In this interview, she shares insights into how the Croatian demo site contributes to DIGITISE’s mission, highlighting its role in empowering communities, enhancing energy efficiency, and integrating smart digital technologies into local energy networks.

Q: Can you tell us more about your organisation and its expertise? What role does your company play in DIGITISE? 

MF: Zelena energetska zadruga (ZEZ) is an energy cooperative situated in Zagreb, Croatia. We have been dedicated to promoting and developing community energy ever since we started 11 years ago and we do this in three basic ways: First, we help citizens to set up their solar power plants in their homes. Second, we open space for citizens to become co-owners in solar power plants that are on public buildings or public areas. Thirdly, through advocacy and numerous educational activities, we strive to make the legal framework as simple and as favorable as possible for citizen energy and energy communities. 

On the Croatian market, we have a nonprofit service offering turnkey solutions for solar PV systems. Our key customers are part of our community, namely homeowners looking to cut their electricity bills through sustainable investment in solar PV for self-consumption.  

Q: Can you introduce the team working on the DIGITISE project at your pilot site?  

MF: The ZEZ team working on the DIGITISE project brings together a diverse range of expertise, encompassing economics, sociology, and engineering. Leading the preparation of the DEMO site are Melani and Patrick, both power system engineers. Melani, a part of ZEZ for seven years, has been actively driving social and technological innovation to support locally produced and community-managed renewable energy. Patrick, who joined the team a year ago, has quickly integrated into the project and is making significant contributions toward its development.

Erica, an environmental engineer, originally conceived the idea behind the Croatian DEMO and ensured its alignment with the objectives of DIGITISE. Supporting the financial aspects of the project, Anita and Tatjana, our financial officers, play a key role in ensuring that we remain on track with the budget, while also providing continuous support for all DEMO-related activities.

Q: What makes the Croatian demonstration site unique within the DIGITISE project, and how does it address local energy challenges? 

MF: Croatian demonstration site is located in the central region of Croatia. It brings various assets to the project, namely the household prosumers with installed rooftop solar PV, batteries, heat pumps, EV chargers etc. Twenty ZEZ customers who are already part of our community, will be actively engaged with DIGITISE, and share with the project their energy data, specific needs and expectations. As the end-users, they will get the opportunity to optimize their self-consumption and maximize energy savings, as well as learn about the options for additional market activities, such as energy sharing and flexibility, whether as individuals or within energy communities.    

Q: How is DIGITISE helping to foster community-driven energy initiatives in Croatia, particularly through citizen participation and prosumer engagement? 

MF: In Croatia, a new Renewable Energy Sources and High-Efficiency Cogeneration Act is currently in preparation and is expected to be open for public consultation in the first half of 2025. The new legislation is likely to introduce changes to the net metering model for households, which could result in a longer payback period for solar PV installations. To maintain the momentum in citizen investments in solar for self-consumption, it is crucial to introduce new market mechanisms and tools as soon as possible. DIGITISE will support the development of more flexible and decentralized energy management, reducing reliance on traditional support schemes like net metering. 

Q: Croatia’s energy market is undergoing significant changes with decentralization and renewable energy adoption - how do you see digital solutions playing a role in this transition?  

MF: Digital solutions will play a key role in Croatia’s energy transition by enabling a more flexible, decentralized, and consumer-driven energy market. As net metering models evolve and energy communities gain traction, digital tools will be needed for optimizing self-consumption and energy flows, monitoring system performance, introducing individualized and reliable new services etc.   

As our energy market becomes more decentralized and data-driven, consumers, and energy communities will need to have a basic understanding of digital tools to fully participate and gain benefits. Therefore, digital literacy is highly relevant to the success and replicability of digital solutions to be developed in DIGITISE. Education and accessible, easy to use interfaces will ensure that all citizens, not just tech-savvy ones, can benefit from the energy transition. 

Q: What are the key regulatory or infrastructural barriers in Croatia that may impact the scalability of digital energy innovations developed in DIGITISE? 

MF: We see energy communities as an important platform for energy sharing and flexibility schemes for household consumers and prosumers in the energy market. By enabling collective energy generation, storage, and consumption, they allow members to optimize energy flows, balance supply and demand, and actively participate in new market mechanisms.  One of the key regulatory barriers that could impact the scalability of digital energy innovations in Croatia, is the unclear regulatory framework in which energy communities should develop and operate. Other barriers that might hinder scalability of DIGITISE are the lack of Advanced Metering Infrastructure implemented for end consumers (namely households), and nonefficient communication (data sharing) between relevant market stakeholders (e.g. suppliers, DSO, community managers…). 

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by agnieszka@australo.org

Bridging Differences for a Unified Goal – Interview with Boniface Dominick Mselle, WP2 Leader

Today, we have the pleasure of speaking with Boniface Dominick Mselle, an R&D+I Energy Engineer at CIRCE, a leading research and training centre focused on technology transfer and sustainability. With a PhD in industrial engineering and IT and over eight years of experience in energy systems, Boniface is dedicated to bridging the gap between research and real-world applications.

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

I am an energy systems engineer with a PhD in industrial engineering and IT and 8+ years of experience working on various projects within the energy field and sustainability. Stemming from research projects, e.g. National and EU projects, and B2B projects e.g., energy auditing particularly ISO. 50001, and energy simulations. It is almost a year now since I joined CIRCE, and it is here that my combined passion for research and providing engineering services is best exploited. I get a chance to work as an engineer and as a scientist by bridging research to real-world applications through the transfer of technology. What motivates me is the drive to develop new solutions through dedicated study and immediate transfer of such for implementation in existing necessities. I am highly motivated by the impact we can bring through applied research and energy auditing of facilities for better energy transition and effective use of energy resources.

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

CIRCE is a 100% self-funded research and training center dedicated to transferring technology and boosting businesses’ competitiveness. Through market-oriented R&D and training in sustainability, resource efficiency, energy networks, and renewable energies, CIRCE anticipates future challenges and delivers innovative solutions that bridge the gap between the laboratory and real-world applications.

At CIRCE, I am an R &D+I Energy Engineer, taking roles in various projects. As a technical personnel member, I am involved in the execution of such projects, playing a critical role in pioneering our mission towards energy transition and applied research for the transfer of technology.

Q: Now, let us know about your role and CIRCE's role at DIGITISE. What do you do, and what is the most rewarding thing about it? What are CIRCE’s primary responsibilities within the DIGITISE project, and how do these align with the project's broader goals?

In the DIGITISE project, we participate as WP2 leader with active participation in various task within the project. Here, apart from addressing the technical aspects of the project, I oversee the successful execution of the tasks within the package.  I coordinate project activities at the WP level to ensure that activities are delivered on time, within scope, and aligned with the objectives set by the consortium.  Moreover, within this project, CIRCE participates in developing the DIGITISE application, with a focus on developing algorithms for energy management optimization and flexibility. 

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

Circe participates actively in the project, providing a wide range of expertise spanning from technical personnel for the development of various tools, to management personnel highly experienced on EU and related projects. 

Q: What challenges does CIRCE anticipate in setting up and testing solutions, particularly in controlled environments like the Living Lab? How will initial evaluations help optimize solutions for broader deployment? 

In the DIGITISE project, we have identified several challenges, particularly in data management and security, and stakeholder engagement and readiness. It is crucial to bring together the involved parties towards a unified objective despite their different backgrounds and interests for a common project goal. Moreover, given the variety of data types and security-oriented issues, secure and friendly data management is an issue that cannot be overlooked.  

Q: How will the new equipment deployed by CIRCE, such as sensors and actuators, enhance data collection and facilitate consumer participation in energy flexibility markets?

CIRCE is developing algorithms for energy optimization considering the implicit flexibility of the assets. These algorithms will optimize the various assets to enhance a wise energy management decision. Moreover, parallel implementation of AI can further provide wider possibilities for foreseeing day-ahead projects for better management.

Q: How does CIRCE envision its role in impacting the long-term scalability and adoption of DIGITISE solutions in real-world settings? 

CIRCE envisions a pivotal role in driving the future of digital energy by integrating advanced analytics and machine learning into Household Digital Twin. Our tools will empower users to gain sharper insights and proactively manage energy usage. With our mission of collaborating closely with industry partners, we’re committed to turning these innovations into real-world success, shaping an interconnected and efficient energy ecosystem. We see our work in DIGITISE resonate across the industry, fueling fresh initiatives and inspiring a new era of sustainability.

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by agnieszka@australo.org

Leveraging AI, Digital Twins, and Collaboration for a Sustainable Tomorrow – An Interview with the Technical Coordinator of DIGITISE

The DIGITISE project is transforming the energy sector by leveraging technologies like AI, Digital Twins, and Big Data to empower consumers and prosumers. We are excited to sit down with the project's Technical Coordinator, Konstantinos Tsatsakis, from SUITE5, to dive deeper into the technical progress and challenges the team addresses. From integrating advanced digital tools to ensuring seamless communication across energy systems, their role is crucial in bringing DIGITISE’s vision to life.

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

K: I have a background in electrical engineering, focusing on data-driven solutions for the energy sector. Over the years, I've been passionate about leveraging emerging technologies to solve real-world problems. I'm particularly motivated by the transformative potential of AI, machine learning, and digital technologies in shaping sustainable and smarter energy solutions. Lately, my focus has been developing and integrating cutting-edge digital solutions to optimise energy management and empower consumers in the energy ecosystem.

Q: Can you tell us more about your responsibilities in your company and what SUITE5 does?

K: At SUITE5, I hold a key position in promoting innovation and technology development. Our company focuses on delivering data analytics solutions and digital transformation services. We aim to provide actionable insights and solutions across different sectors, with a strong emphasis on sustainability and intelligent energy management. My role involves driving R&D efforts and ensuring that our solutions meet industry needs while pushing technological boundaries.

Q: Now, tell us about your role at DIGITISE. What do you do, and what is the most rewarding part of it?

K: As the Technical Coordinator at DIGITISE, I oversee the integration of advanced technologies such as AI, digital twins, and big data to achieve the project’s vision of transforming the energy sector. I work closely with technical partners to ensure seamless collaboration and progress. The most rewarding aspect is seeing how these digital solutions come to life, empowering both consumers and prosumers to actively manage their energy consumption and contribute to a sustainable future.

Through DIGITISE, we aim to create an energy system that is not only efficient but also democratised. By enabling consumers to take active roles as prosumers, we foster a more decentralised and resilient energy ecosystem.

Q: As the Technical Coordinator of DIGITISE, the role involves overseeing various technical activities that ensure the successful implementation of the project. What are the key technical milestones and activities, and how do they align with the project’s goals?

K: One of the key technical milestones is the development of the Digital Twin for energy systems, which allows real-time simulations and monitoring of energy infrastructures. We also focus on integrating AI-driven predictive tools to optimize energy flows and enhance grid stability. Another important activity is building a unified platform that supports seamless communication and interoperability across energy stakeholders. All these milestones are essential for achieving the DIGITISE goals of efficiency, flexibility, and sustainability in energy management.

Q: What positive impact do you hope to generate through our project?

K: Through DIGITISE, we aim to create an energy system that is not only efficient but also democratised. By enabling consumers to take active roles as prosumers, we foster a more decentralised and resilient energy ecosystem. The project’s digital tools will help lower energy costs, reduce carbon footprints, and promote sustainability, which are positive impacts we hope will resonate across the energy market.

Q: What are the challenges and strategies of coordinating the DIGITISE technical board?

K: Coordinating a technical board that brings together diverse stakeholders from different sectors can be challenging, especially in aligning objectives and timelines. However, we use agile methodologies and foster strong communication to ensure that all teams remain aligned on the project’s goals. Our strategy is to maintain a balance between technical innovation and practical application, ensuring that the solutions we develop are both cutting-edge and applicable in real-world scenarios.

Q: How do you envision the future of energy management with the digital tools developed in DIGITISE, and what impact do you believe they will have on the energy market and sustainability?

K: I believe the future of energy management will be much more decentralised, with consumers playing a greater role in energy production and consumption. Digital tools like AI-driven forecasting, energy optimisation platforms, and real-time monitoring systems will drive this change. These tools will not only enhance energy efficiency but also contribute significantly to sustainability by optimising renewable energy use and minimising waste.

Q: Any final words to end on?

K: I’d like to emphasise the importance of collaboration in realising the full potential of digital transformation in the energy sector. It’s not just about the technology, but how we apply it to build a sustainable and equitable energy future for all. I’m excited to see how DIGITISE contributes to this evolving landscape.

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by agnieszka@australo.org

DIGITISE: More Than Just Advancing Technology – An Interview with Eleni Tsironi, Project Coordinator

The DIGITISE project brings together a diverse consortium of partners from across Europe, each contributing their unique expertise to revolutionise the digital energy landscape. By integrating technologies such as AI, Digital Twins, Big Data Management, and DLT-enabled Marketplaces, DIGITISE aims to empower energy consumers and prosumers and enable them to participate actively in the digital energy market.

 In this interview, we speak with Eleni Tsironi, Project Coordinator from UBITECH, to get to know people behind the scenes and explore their roles, contributions, and insights into the project.

 

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

E: I am an Electrical and Computer Engineer with over a decade of experience working on various EU projects, particularly in the field of energy, digital innovation and sustainability. For the past five years, I’ve been a member of UBITECH, focusing on applying cutting-edge technologies to societal challenges. What motivates me is the impact we can have through technology - specifically in driving the energy transition and enabling citizens to take a more active role in shaping a sustainable future.

In my current role as project coordinator of the DIGITISE project, I am particularly focused on how we can leverage digital tools like AI, blockchain, and digital twins to empower both consumers and prosumers in energy markets. These innovations not only enhance efficiency but also help bridge the digital literacy gap, encouraging more inclusive participation in the energy ecosystem.

 

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

E: As a project manager at UBITECH, my primary focus is on overseeing the successful execution of Horizon Europe projects, like the DIGITISE project. I ensure that all project activities are delivered on time, within scope, and aligned with the objectives set by the consortium. This involves coordinating between multiple stakeholders, managing resources, and ensuring compliance with EU funding guidelines. Additionally, I am actively involved in identifying new funding opportunities and building partnerships that foster innovation and collaboration in our fields of expertise.

UBITECH is at the forefront of digital transformation, delivering cutting-edge software solutions, custom development, and research-driven innovation in information and communication technologies. The company excels in pioneering new technologies, developing custom applications, and turning research into market-ready solutions. Our consulting services also help organizations navigate the challenges of digital transformation, and we are heavily invested in creating innovative ventures that shape the future of technology.

 

The most rewarding part of my job is seeing the tangible impact of our work. DIGITISE is not just about advancing technology; it's about enabling people to take a more active role in managing their energy consumption, contributing to a more sustainable future.

 

Q: Now, let us know about your role at DIGITISE. What do you do, and what is the most rewarding thing about it?

E: As the project coordinator for DIGITISE, my role is to ensure that all aspects of the project run smoothly. This means managing project timelines, facilitating communication between the various partners, and ensuring that we are meeting our milestones in line with the project’s objectives. One of the key responsibilities is also to monitor the development of digital tools, making sure that they align with the project's goals of empowering consumers and prosumers in the energy market.

The most rewarding part of my job is seeing the tangible impact of our work. DIGITISE is not just about advancing technology; it's about enabling people to take a more active role in managing their energy consumption, contributing to a more sustainable future. Knowing that we are not only innovating but also helping to shape a more empowered, energy-conscious society is incredibly fulfilling.

 

Q: Project management itself is very demanding regarding skills. Which of them are the most important ones?

E: Project management requires a broad set of skills, but some stand out as particularly important. Leadership is key, as you need to guide your team and stakeholders toward shared goals while ensuring everyone is aligned. Communication is equally vital, particularly in multi-partner projects like DIGITISE, where clear and consistent communication across different teams and countries is crucial. Organisational skills are fundamental—managing timelines, resources, and deliverables can be complex, so staying on top of details is essential. Additionally, problem-solving and adaptability are critical in handling unforeseen challenges, whether it's a technical issue or a sudden change in the project’s direction. Lastly, stakeholder management is an important skill. You need to understand the needs of different partners and the European Commission, ensuring all expectations are met and keeping the project in line with broader EU objectives.

 

Q: What two activities are you and UBITECH working on in DIGITISE that you are most excited about?

E: I am particularly excited about two key activities that UBITECH is spearheading in the DIGITISE project: the development of the Household Digital Twin application and our efforts in business exploitation.

Firstly, the Household Digital Twin application represents a significant innovation in how we can simulate and optimise household energy consumption. This application will focus on optimising energy management at the household level, considering the management of individual household assets to maximise self-consumption, significantly lower energy costs, and create a more user-friendly environment.

Secondly, our focus on business exploitation activities is equally thrilling. We are dedicated to ensuring that the outputs of the DIGITISE project can be effectively translated into market-ready solutions. This involves engaging with stakeholders, identifying potential market opportunities, and developing strategies to promote the adoption of our innovations. By doing so, we aim to not only maximise the project's impact but also to foster collaboration with sister projects and initiatives, thereby creating a wider ecosystem of innovation in the energy sector.

 

Q: What are some of the key challenges you have already found in the DIGITISE project? What should Partners working on projects like DIGITISE focus the most on?

E: In the DIGITISE project, we have identified several key challenges that are crucial for our success. One significant challenge is the integration of diverse data sources and ensuring data interoperability. With various stakeholders contributing different datasets, achieving seamless communication and compatibility among these systems is essential for the efficacy of our Digital Twin application.

Another challenge is engaging users and stakeholders to actively participate in the deployment of our solutions. Building awareness and trust in digital technologies is vital, as it directly impacts user adoption and the overall effectiveness of our initiatives.

For partners working on projects like DIGITISE, I recommend focusing on three main areas:

  • Collaboration and Communication: Establishing strong lines of communication among all partners is essential for sharing knowledge, resources, and best practices. 
  • User Engagement: Actively involving end-users in the development and testing phases will provide valuable insights and ensure that the solutions we create are user-centric. This engagement is crucial for promoting adoption and ensuring that the tools we develop meet real-world needs.
  • Scalability and Adaptability: As we innovate, it’s important to design solutions that can easily adapt to changing market conditions and user requirements. Focusing on scalability will help ensure that our findings and applications can be effectively deployed across different contexts and geographies.

By addressing these challenges and focusing on these key areas, partners can enhance the impact of their contributions and drive meaningful progress in the digital energy market.

 

Q: As DIGITISE progresses, what are UBITECH's future plans and vision for their role in the project, and how do they see their contributions shaping the digital energy market in Europe?

E: UBITECH envisions a pivotal role in advancing digital solutions that will transform the energy landscape in Europe. Our plans include further enhancing the Household Digital Twin application by integrating advanced analytics and machine learning capabilities. This will allow us to provide even more precise insights into energy consumption patterns and promote proactive energy management among users.

In addition, we aim to strengthen our collaboration with industry partners and stakeholders to facilitate the practical implementation of our innovations. By focusing on scalable solutions that can be adopted by various segments of the energy market, we believe UBITECH can significantly contribute to creating a more interconnected and efficient digital energy ecosystem.

We see our contributions shaping the digital energy market by not only providing cutting-edge tools and applications but also fostering a culture of innovation and collaboration. By aligning our efforts with broader European energy goals, such as the transition to renewable energy and achieving carbon neutrality, we are committed to ensuring that our work in DIGITISE resonates across the industry and inspires other initiatives.

 

Q: Any final words to end on?

E: As we advance with the DIGITISE project, our vision is to empower individuals and communities through innovative digital solutions that drive the energy transition. Together, we are shaping a sustainable future where technology and collaboration pave the way for a more inclusive energy ecosystem.

Q: Thank you for your time and insightful anwers!

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by agnieszka@australo.org