News Archives - DIGITISE

E-NERGY Cluster at Enlit Europe 2025 - Driving Digital Transformation for an Inclusive Energy Future

The E-NERGY Cluster, which brings together the EU-funded projects DIGITISE, DECODIT, ENERGENIUS, CELINE, and EU-DREAM, will have a strong presence at Enlit Europe 2025, showcasing how digital innovation can empower citizens and organisations to take an active role in the energy transition. Through a combination of a webinar, a dedicated booth, and an interactive workshop, the cluster will highlight practical solutions that make energy information more accessible, engaging, and impactful.

Webinar: Digital technologies to make energy information more accessible and engaging

Broadcast on 6 November 2025, this 60-minute session explores how cutting-edge digital tools are transforming public participation in the energy landscape. Moderated by Antonis Papanikolaou (QUE Technologies | DECODIT), the panel includes leading experts: Stratis Kanarachos (European Dynamics | DECODIT), Annika Wolff (LUT University | CELINE), Kostas Arvanitis (ENERGENIUS), Eleni Tsironi (UBITECH | DIGITISE), and Valeria Palladino (ENEA | EU-DREAM). Together, they will present innovative approaches that empower citizens, businesses, and policymakers to make data-driven energy decisions that support sustainability and inclusion.

REGISTER HERE

Booth at EU Projects Zone

Visitors will find the E-NERGY Cluster booth at the EU Project Zone during Enlit Europe 2025, where representatives from all five projects will showcase their tools, research outcomes, and interactive demonstrations. The booth will be a meeting point for knowledge exchange — a space to discover how digitalisation, citizen engagement, and cross-sector collaboration can redefine Europe’s energy ecosystem.

Workshop: Digital Innovation for Consumer Participation in the Energy Transition

The cluster will also host a workshop on 18 November 2025 (10:00 – 11:30) at Theatre 3, Hall 5 (EU Projects Zone Hub). This interactive session will delve into how data, digital twins, AI analytics, and behavioural insights can boost consumer participation and support a sustainable, digitally integrated energy future. Participants will hear directly from project leaders about ongoing pilots, cross-sector synergies, and the vision for a fair and inclusive energy transition.

Connecting Innovation with People

Enlit Europe 2025 is more than an exhibition - it’s a living showcase of the energy transition in motion. The E-NERGY Cluster’s presence at the event reflects its mission: to democratise energy data, strengthen citizen participation, and build a human-centred, digital energy future for Europe.

Join us at Enlit Europe 2025 to meet the people shaping the next generation of digital energy innovation — where ideas meet action, and collaboration sparks real change.

by agnieszka@australo.org

The EU Energy Projects Podcast: The E-NERGY Cluster in action – insights from DECODIT and ENERGENIUS

In the latest episode of the EU Energy Projects Podcast, the E-NERGY Cluster was featured as an example of how cross-project collaboration drives innovation and impact. With contributions from our members DECODIT and ENERGENIUS, the discussion highlighted how our cluster strengthens citizen engagement, supports behaviour change, and amplifies the collective voice of EU projects.

LISTEN TO THE EPISODE "The EU Energy Projects Podcast: The E-Nergy Cluster in action – insights from DECODIT and ENERGENIUS"

DECODIT is working to integrate fragmented building renovation solutions into coherent, optimised packages, while ENERGENIUS develops data-driven tools to help citizens and businesses make smarter energy choices. Together, these efforts show how collaboration within the cluster creates synergies—through joint outreach, publications, demonstrations, and shared visibility at major events such as Enlit Europe 2025 in Bilbao.

We are pleased to announce that the E-NERGY Cluster will be at Enlit Europe 2025 with a dedicated cluster booth at the EU Projects Zone and will host a workshop. Save the following date and join us there:

ENLIT EUROPE 2025
️18 November 2025
10:00 – 11:30
EU Projects Zone Hub – Theatre 3 (Hall 5)

by agnieszka@australo.org

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

DIGITISE Project Input to the European Digital Transformation

The DIGITISE project, funded under the Horizon Europe programme, concludes its first year with progress across key areas, establishing a foundation for advancing digital tools and citizen engagement in the energy transition.

Regarding the requirements analysis, architecture definition & verification framework for innovative services of the project, identification of business scenarios and use cases, as well as the definition of functional and non-functional requirements for system design has been described. Activities also included a preliminary analysis of social, economic, and behavioural barriers to implementation. Training sessions were conducted with demonstration partners to support user recruitment and facilitation. Deliverable 2.1 ‘DIGITISE End-User Requirements and Socio-Economic Analysis’ documented the findings from two cross-country surveys focused on local flexibility markets and balancing markets, contributing to the project’s understanding of technical and regulatory constraints.

In the first quarter of 2025, Energy Dialogues were carried out at four demonstration sites with approximately 100 participants. These dialogues contributed to the initial draft of the engagement strategy, which will be further developed during a workshop scheduled for late 2025 or early 2026. In parallel, technical work progressed in the areas of data management and interoperability, with efforts to evaluate data models across sectors such as energy, mobility, EV charging, and building control. Applications under development include tools for energy management optimisation, asset investment planning, and data-based assessment of residential building systems.

Further development is ongoing in the areas of digital twin modelling, aggregator portfolio management, and flexibility market integration. Tools under design include the Household Digital Twin, which supports cross-sector energy simulations, and a Flexibility Marketplace utilising blockchain and smart contracts to manage transactions. Demonstration partners have provided inventories of existing technical infrastructure, and discussions are underway to align demonstration activities with defined use cases and technical specifications. Coordination between demonstration and technology partners has been initiated to prepare for system integration and field testing in the next phase of the project.

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by agnieszka@australo.org

DIGITISE Project Holds 3rd Plenary Meeting Summing Up the 1st Year of the Progress

The DIGITISE project team convened for its 3rd Plenary Meeting in the scenic setting of the Lisbon shoreline, marking an important milestone in the project’s development. Hosted by Unparallel Innovation, the meeting brought together partners from across Europe to assess progress during the 1st of the project, align on technical goals, and chart a clear path forward for the next phase of the initiative.

With a strong focus on digitalisation and decarbonisation in energy systems, DIGITISE is a Horizon Europe-funded project that aims to design and implement cross-sector digital solutions to support the green and digital transition. The plenary meeting served as a crucial opportunity to take stock of achievements to date and refine the project’s future direction.

The agenda opened with a series of technical sessions, where the team addressed key areas such as requirements analysis, architecture definition, and system verification. Discussions centred on how to develop a reference DIGITISE architecture that is both flexible and adaptable to multiple use cases. The partners also examined the potential of cross-sector services and applications to deliver real-world benefits to end users.

As the meeting progressed, attention turned to the practical aspects of implementing the project's demonstration activities. Site-specific mapping of energy and data assets was reviewed, along with an assessment of equipment gaps and procurement plans. These discussions provided essential insights into the practicalities of deploying DIGITISE technologies on the ground, while ensuring alignment with the project's technical goals.

The final morning of the meeting was dedicated to dissemination, stakeholder engagement, and exploitation planning. Partners reflected on early communication and outreach efforts, and began shaping strategies for leveraging the project’s results. These activities are designed to ensure that DIGITISE has an impact not only during the project’s runtime but also in the long term, supporting broader adoption and innovation in the energy sector.

By bringing together the full consortium, the Lisbon meeting reinforced the collaborative foundation of the DIGITISE project. It provided space for reflection, technical alignment, and renewed commitment to the project’s objectives.

As DIGITISE continues to evolve, the outcomes of this plenary meeting will play a key role in guiding its technical implementation and stakeholder engagement activities in the months ahead.

Watch the short summary from the DIGITISE Project Coordinator – Eleni Tsironi from UBITECH:

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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

Scalability is not just as a technical hurdle, but as a multi-dimensional challenge that requires alignment of technology

As part of the DIGITISE initiative, AppArt is helping to develop a smart energy systems by combining deep technical expertise with a human-centred approach. With a strong background in EU-funded R&D and a focus on AI, IoT, and digital infrastructure, the AppArt team brings valuable insight to the project’s mission of empowering consumers in the energy transition. In this interview, we speak with Efthymis Serpetzoglou, R&D Project Manager at AppArt, to learn more about their journey, the company’s contributions to DIGITISE, and how they are designing digital tools that are as practical as they are innovative.

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

ES: With over 11 years of experience in R&D and a PhD in Applied Physics and Optoelectronics, my journey has been rooted in innovation, impact, and cross-disciplinary collaboration. Over the years, I’ve had the opportunity to lead and manage high-impact European projects, bridging cutting-edge technology with real-world applications. Currently, as an R&D Project Manager at AppArt, I coordinate and drive EU-funded initiatives in areas such as 5G, B5G, 6G, cybersecurity, and sustainable energy.

Joining DIGITISE was a natural step for me, as it aligns closely with both my expertise and values. I am passionate about using technology to enable social and environmental change, and DIGITISE’s vision—to leverage cross-sector data, AI, and sovereign data spaces to democratize the energy transition - deeply resonates with that mission.

As for the AppArt team contributing to DIGITISE, we bring a strong mix of technical depth and project experience. One of our main team members is Michail Sfakianos, our Department Director, who holds a Master’s in Telecommunications from University College London and has over a decade of experience as a Software Engineer. Since 2015, he’s played a key role in leading ICT projects. He also serves as Software Architect across multiple solutions, overseeing task planning, solution design, and implementation. The remaining AppArt team consists of skilled software engineers and developers with experience in implementing both commercial and R&D projects. Their background, expertise and professionalism ensure high quality project outcomes. Together, we form a team committed to driving digital transformation with a strong technical foundation and a shared purpose.

D: What is AppArt’s main role within DIGITISE, and what kind of technical development are you leading or supporting?

ES: AppArt’s main role within DIGITISE is centered on the consumer dashboard development and integration of intelligent automation and IoT-based systems that support the project’s vision of a consumer-empowered energy ecosystem. We contribute our expertise in telecommunications, embedded systems, and cloud platforms to ensure reliable, scalable, and secure infrastructure across the project’s technical layers.

Specifically, AppArt is responsible for enabling the visualization and smart control of energy consumption, generation, and forecasting, as well as asset sizing, investment insights, and monitoring of health and security data through the consumer dashboard. This dashboard will be available as a responsive web application, ensuring seamless access and usability across both desktop and mobile devices. Our focus on interoperability, real-time responsiveness, and minimal user disruption aligns with DIGITISE’s goal of making energy participation effortless for consumers.

We also play a supporting role in the deployment and validation of IoT-based control mechanisms at demonstration sites, helping to ensure that DIGITISE solutions are technically robust, user-friendly, and adaptable to different household and energy contexts.

In essence, AppArt serves as a technical enabler, translating DIGITISE’s high-level vision into concrete, functional systems that empower consumers to participate actively and intelligently in the energy transition.

D: How do you ensure that the digital solutions you design are both user-friendly and compatible with the diverse needs of end users and stakeholders?

ES: Ensuring that our digital solutions are user-friendly and adaptable to diverse end-user and stakeholder needs is a priority throughout our development process at AppArt. We approach this challenge from both a human-centric design perspective and a technical interoperability standpoint.

First, we actively participate in co-creation processes and stakeholder engagement activities within DIGITISE. This allows us to gather direct input from users, including consumers, aggregators, and energy communities, early in the design phase. Their feedback helps shape intuitive interfaces, automation behaviors, and interaction models that align with real-world habits and expectations.

From a technical perspective, we emphasize modularity and interoperability. Our solutions are built using standardized, open protocols and architectures to ensure compatibility with a wide range of devices, systems, and data sources. This ensures that the same solution can be adapted to different geographical, socio-economic, and technical contexts without compromising performance or usability.

We also rigorously test our systems in diverse real-life demonstration environments across Europe, enabling us to validate not only the technical robustness but also the user acceptance and satisfaction under various conditions.

Ultimately, it’s about striking a balance - delivering high-performance, secure technology that respects user comfort, convenience, and privacy, while supporting the broader goals of the energy transition.

D: Could you share how AppArt balances innovation and practicality when developing digital tools for smart energy management?

ES: At AppArt, we view innovation and practicality as complementary forces, not competing ones. Our goal is to deliver forward-thinking digital solutions that are grounded in real-world feasibility, scalability, and user value - especially in complex domains like smart energy management.

To strike this balance, we follow a lean, iterative development approach. We start by identifying real user pain points and operational constraints, then design innovative solutions that directly address those - rather than pursuing innovation for its own sake. For example, when developing control systems for distributed energy resources, we combine cutting-edge technologies like AI-driven automation with simple, intuitive interfaces that require minimal user intervention.

We also rely heavily on early validation and testing in real environments, such as those provided by the DIGITISE demonstration sites. This ensures that what we develop not only works in theory but also delivers measurable benefits in practice — such as energy savings, reduced complexity, or better decision-making for consumers and stakeholders.

Moreover, we build with futureproofing and interoperability in mind. By adhering to open standards and modular design principles, our solutions can evolve with technology and adapt to different contexts without constant reinvention.

In short, AppArt’s approach to innovation is always anchored in usability, scalability, and meaningful impact - making sure that what we build is not just new, but also truly useful.

D: What challenges do you foresee in scaling your solutions from pilot level to broader market application, and how are you preparing for that?

ES: Scaling from pilot to broader market application presents a number of challenges, and at AppArt, we’re proactively addressing them to ensure long-term impact and adoption of our solutions.

One key challenge is interoperability across diverse technical ecosystems. While pilots often involve controlled environments, real-world deployments must work seamlessly with a wide array of legacy systems, device types, and data standards. To prepare for this, we design our solutions using modular, standards-based architectures and prioritize compatibility with widely adopted protocols and platforms.

Another major challenge is user engagement and behavior. What works well in a pilot - where participants are often early adopters - may not translate directly to broader audiences. That’s why we place strong emphasis on human-centric design and continuous feedback loops, ensuring our systems remain intuitive, minimally intrusive, and adaptable to different user profiles.

On the operational side, scalability and performance under increased load must be considered early. We're investing in cloud-native infrastructure and edge processing capabilities to ensure our solutions can handle larger volumes of data and devices without compromising responsiveness or reliability.

Lastly, regulatory and market fragmentation across EU countries adds complexity. We’re addressing this by engaging with diverse stakeholders during the project - from energy communities to policy experts - and by contributing to DIGITISE’s broader objectives of shaping consumer-friendly market frameworks.

Ultimately, we see scalability not just as a technical hurdle, but as a multi-dimensional challenge that requires alignment of technology, usability, business models, and policy - and we’re building with that full picture in mind.

D: How does AppArt’s contribution to DIGITISE align with your company’s long-term vision in the digital energy or sustainability space?

ES: AppArt’s contribution to DIGITISE is strongly aligned with our long-term vision of enabling intelligent, sustainable, and user-driven digital ecosystems. We see the energy sector - especially at the intersection with IoT, AI, and cloud - as a key area where digital innovation can have profound social and environmental impact.

Our involvement in DIGITISE allows us to apply and evolve our core strengths in smart systems integration, embedded technologies, and automation, while contributing to a larger mission: empowering consumers to play an active role in the energy transition. This directly reflects our belief that the future of sustainability depends on systems that are not only efficient and intelligent, but also inclusive and easy to adopt.

Through DIGITISE, we are deepening our expertise in areas like distributed energy resource control, data interoperability, and cross-sector digital twins, which are central to our roadmap. At the same time, we’re building relationships and knowledge that support our broader goal of developing scalable, market-ready solutions and digital empowerment.

In short, DIGITISE isn’t just a project for us - it’s a strategic step toward realizing AppArt’s vision of a smarter, and more connected world.

D: Thank you for your time!

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by agnieszka@australo.org

Digital tools for consumers, demand-side flexibility, and efficient energy system by Arden Energy

Arden Energy is an integrated electricity supply and energy management services company with a strong focus on delivering energy cost reductions through smart metering, data analytics, and visualisation technologies. Its approach is based not only on offering competitive tariffs but also on providing customers with tools to actively monitor, manage, and reduce their energy consumption. By combining technological solutions with behavioural insights, Arden Energy empowers consumers to make informed energy decisions. Within the DIGITISE project, Arden Energy applies its expertise in energy performance contracting and digital energy services to demonstrate how digital tools can enhance consumer engagement, enable demand-side flexibility, and contribute to a more efficient and sustainable energy system.

Arden Energy journey to the DIGITISE project

Arden Energy is an integrated electricity supply and energy management services technology company focused on delivering energy cost savings. Our key selling points are competitive tariffs, transparency, and empowerment. We provide a unique smart metering, data analytics, and visualisation offering, which delivers immediate and sustained energy cost reductions to customers. Our differentiation lies in offering overall cost reductions rather than just simple unit rate reductions. Most importantly, we offer unique additional features that are proven factors for influencing effective energy management. Our service empowers customers to take control and reduce electricity costs through a suite of layered services. We provide outsourced energy management and energy performance contracting services to our clients. Gaining and communicating a fundamental understanding of energy use and the opportunities for improving energy efficiency is key to the successful delivery of these services.

The team working on the DIGITISE project pilot site

Arden team comprises:

Dr. Fergal Purcell: He holds an engineering degree and a PhD in energy systems analysis, with nearly 20 years' experience in the energy and environmental sectors. Before founding Arden Energy in 2012, he worked with ScottishPower (UK), Project Management Group (Ireland/former Soviet Union), and Ergon Energy (Australia). He has led trials on micro-CHP, solar PV, wind, and energy-efficient housing evaluation. An expert in energy management systems, he sits on ISO TC301 and has contributed to EU projects including EPLACE, TOPAS, and currently Horizon Europe’s Phoenix, focusing on building energy performance and legacy device integration.
Dr. Sarah Millar: An environmental scientist and business development expert with over 20 years’ experience in the UK, Ireland, and Australia. She has led initiatives across public, commercial, and social enterprise sectors, from large-scale waste treatment to urban regeneration. As Environmental Manager with Ballymun Regeneration Ltd., she helped the area win over 40 environmental awards. Sarah holds a PhD in Environmental Science, an Honours Degree in Process Biotechnology, and an MBA. Now CEO of the Rediscovery Centre, she has developed a national model for social enterprise and contributes to multiple sustainability-focused research projects.
Stephen Wright: He holds a Master’s in Renewable Energy Systems from Loughborough University and has 10 years’ experience as an Energy Engineer. He has worked with electricity suppliers and aggregators, gaining deep insight into system operations. He has contributed to major EU-funded Smart Grid projects including CityxChange, Phoenix, and PVCROPS. Passionate about energy policy, Wright has made several regulatory submissions to the CRU. His expertise also spans IoT and digital electronics, developed during his engineering studies and refined during his time at MICROCHIP Inc.

Arden Energy's role in the DIGITISE project

Arden Energy is an integrated electricity supply and energy management technology company, focused on delivering measurable energy cost savings through smart metering, data analytics, and visualisation tools. Our core expertise lies in empowering customers to actively manage and reduce their energy use, not just through competitive tariffs but through behavioural and data-driven strategies. In DIGITISE, we bring our practical experience in energy performance contracting, smart data services, and customer engagement to support the design and implementation of effective demand response solutions. Our role focuses on demonstrating how digital tools can drive real-time energy flexibility and cost reduction at scale.

The main focus areas of the Irish demonstration site, and how do they align with DIGITISE’s overall mission of consumer empowerment?

The Irish demonstration site focuses on the Ringsend Sustainable Energy Community, a proactive local partner working to raise awareness and engage the community on energy use, efficiency, and sustainability. Their role is central to consumer empowerment, supporting local understanding and participation in clean energy transitions. The pilot includes a wide mix of technologies — heat pumps, EVs, solar PV, and batteries from various OEMs — which enables real-world testing of interoperability, optimisation, and integration challenges. As an energy supplier, we also use this site to trial smart tariffs and introduce consumers to demand response programmes, directly aligning with DIGITISE’s mission to empower consumers through digital innovation and energy flexibility.

How is the project integrating smart energy management solutions within Ireland’s energy system, and what impact is expected for local users?

The DIGITISE project is integrating smart energy management solutions into Ireland’s energy system by combining advanced metering, data analytics, and flexible tariffs with real-world community engagement through the Ringsend Energy Community. By deploying diverse technologies — including heat pumps, EVs, solar PV, and batteries — from multiple vendors, the project is testing interoperability and optimisation in a live setting. Arden Energy supports this integration by trialling smart tariffs and demand response schemes, allowing local users to better understand, manage, and benefit from their energy use. The expected impact is increased energy awareness, greater participation in energy flexibility programmes, and tangible cost savings for consumers.

Irish digitalisation supporting a more resilient and flexible grid

Digitalisation plays a critical role in building a more resilient and flexible grid by enabling real-time visibility, control, and optimisation of energy use at both the individual and community level. Through smart metering, dynamic tariffs, and demand response programmes, consumers become active participants in the energy system, helping to balance supply and demand. The DIGITISE project showcases how this can work in practice, starting with the Ringsend Energy Community. The solutions being tested — from technology integration to consumer engagement models — are designed to be scalable and replicable, offering a pathway for Ireland’s 400+ energy communities to contribute to national renewable energy targets while enhancing local energy resilience and self-sufficiency.

Lessons from the Irish energy market which can be applied across Europe to enhance consumer participation in energy transition efforts

Ireland’s experience offers several key insights that can inform energy transition strategies across Europe, particularly in the realm of consumer empowerment and digital innovation:

Community-Led Engagement Is Key: Ireland’s model of Sustainable Energy Communities (SECs), such as the Ringsend Energy Community involved in DIGITISE, demonstrates the power of local engagement. These communities play a crucial role in building awareness, trust, and participation by fostering grassroots involvement in clean energy initiatives. Other European regions can benefit from replicating this model to localise energy transition efforts and make them more inclusive and relatable.
Value Beyond Tariffs: The Irish approach, particularly through Arden Energy’s offerings, highlights that empowering consumers goes beyond competitive pricing. Layered services — such as smart metering, personalised analytics, and behavioural insights — allow users to understand and influence their energy usage in real-time. This demonstrates that combining data-driven tools with user-friendly interfaces can greatly improve engagement and energy literacy.
Integration and Interoperability in Real-World Settings: Ireland’s pilot projects illustrate the importance of testing a wide array of technologies — from EVs and heat pumps to solar PV and batteries — in a heterogeneous and interoperable environment. This hands-on approach to integration and optimisation provides valuable technical and behavioural insights that are transferable to diverse European energy contexts, especially as legacy systems are upgraded.
Smart Tariffs and Demand Response as Incentives: By trialling smart tariffs and flexible demand response programs, Irish pilots show that financial incentives tied to real-time energy behaviour can catalyse participation and system efficiency. This approach could be scaled across Europe to better align consumer incentives with grid needs, especially as renewable penetration increases.

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by agnieszka@australo.org