Energy transition: Expert insights and innovations

The energy transition, driven by renewable energy sources, is transforming industries, particularly energy distribution. As Europe and the world move toward decarbonization, the key challenge is ensuring a reliable energy supply while adapting to growing demands. Iskraemeco acts as a mediator, fostering open dialogue and collaboration among key market stakeholders, and supporting the core drivers of the energy transition: digitalization, decarbonization, and dynamic regulation.

Explore interviews with industry leaders, offering valuable thoughts on the latest trends, challenges, and opportunities shaping the field.

Trends and challenges in the energy sector

The energy landscape is rapidly evolving, driven by the transition to renewable energy sources. This shift adds complexity to grid management and increases pressure on electrical infrastructure.

Distribution System Operators (DSOs) now face new challenges:

Managing vast amounts of data
Handling the integration of distributed energy resources (DERs) like solar panels and electric vehicles
Addressing overvoltage issues in low-voltage grids
Coping with aging infrastructure and rising cybersecurity threats
Adapting to new technologies to enhance efficiency and reliability
These developments, along with changing regulations, customer expectations, and technology advances, make grid optimization and reliability more critical than ever.

Igor Podbelšek, Head of electric power systems control and operation department at Elektroinštitut Milan Vidmar

Igor Podbelšek highlights challenges in Slovenia’s energy sector, including the rapid adoption of solar power and the need for grid digitalization. He highlights the growing complexity of managing the electricity system and the role of smart metering in optimizing operations. Mr. Podbelšek emphasizes smart metering and collaboration among operators, solution providers, and service companies to drive efficiency, while noting how regulatory changes support flexibility and cost efficiency in grid management.

Dr. Jurij Curk, Advisor to the board at Elektro Ljubljana

Dr. Curk addresses challenges in Slovenia’s energy sector, focusing on the strain from renewable energy, electric heating, and e-mobility. He emphasizes the need for network upgrades and highlights the role of metering, communication technology, and cybersecurity in shaping future energy management.

Matjaž Keršnik, Head of metering services at Elektro Ljubljana

The speaker highlights the strong, long-term partnership with Iskraemeco, praising the smooth transition to the Symbiot platform thanks to effective collaboration. He addresses the challenges of integrating renewable energy and EV charging stations into the grid, emphasizing the need for smart grid development, data-driven planning, and network automation.

Klemen Belec, Global hardware management director at Iskraemeco

In this interview, Mr. Belec outlines Slovenia’s energy transition priorities, emphasizing the need to align national directives with the energy system’s capabilities. He calls for a coordinated plan to meet 2030 targets and stresses the role of skilled professionals in driving innovation. The speaker urges confidence and action in deploying innovative solutions for a successful transition.

Management and planning of modern distribution grids

Managing modern electricity distribution grids involves key areas such as load forecasting, ensuring network reliability, and integrating decentralized energy sources like photovoltaics and electric vehicles. Preventive maintenance and the use of advanced analytics play a crucial role in optimizing grid performance.

The focus is on leveraging advanced tools, including network simulation software, asset management systems, and demand response technologies, to improve the efficiency and reliability of distribution system operations.

Aleš Glavina, Global software product management director at Iskraemeco

Aleš Glavina focuses on the grid’s complexity – increased solar power and electrifying heating systems. He emphasizes the need for real-time data, grid transparency, and digitalization to support better decision-making. Mr. Glavina calls for stronger collaboration between solution providers, operators, and researchers, and highlights the importance of upgrading legacy tools to ensure grid adaptability for the next 10-15 years.

Simon Oblak giving a presentation at the Iskraemeco's conference for electrodistributions.

Dr. Simon Oblak, Global solution management director at Iskraemeco

Dr. Simon Oblak highlights the growing integration of renewables and fluctuating demand patterns in Slovenia’s energy system. Mr. Oblak emphasizes the need for digitalization and enhanced data management tools to handle grid complexities without significant investments. He also underscores the increasing importance of cybersecurity to protect against external threats, helping distribution companies strengthen resilience and secure a reliable energy future.

Andrej Ciglic giving a lecture at Iskraemeco's conference for Slovenian electrodistributions in Brdo 2024.

Andrej Ciglič, System and product architect at Iskraemeco

This interview summarizes the session from our event for electro distributors on modern communication technologies, focusing on the main challenges facing Slovenian DSOs and the steps to address them. It underscores the importance of robust communication systems for real-time data exchange and their critical role in decision-making.

Iskraemeco innovations

Iskraemeco provides cutting-edge solutions designed to simplify grid management. By combining metering hardware, software, and services into a seamless package, we help manage the increasing demands on today’s electricity networks.

Our solutions offer real-time monitoring of the grid, improving data accuracy and detecting potential issues before they become larger problems. They also optimize peak load management, support the integration of renewable energy, and enable reliable data transfer across multiple communication technologies. With features like dynamic pricing and enhanced grid planning, these solutions contribute to preventing outages and reducing losses. Iskraemeco solutions are designed with enhanced cybersecurity to protect both the network and data.

Ales Potocnik at the Slovenian electrodistributions conference Brdo 2024.

Aleš Potočnik, Global Director of Technology Design Center at Iskraemeco and Executive board member of ESMIG

Mr. Potočnik shares updates on over 50 innovative energy projects. Highlights include an advanced grid flexibility algorithm, a Linux-based product prototype, and advancements in fiber optic communication. He also discusses the importance of connecting various domains within the grid for a smarter, more efficient energy system.

Revolutionizing energy management with IE.X intelligent energy meters and eIoT modular platform

Iskraemeco provides advanced solutions for streamlined grid management, combining metering hardware, software, and services. Our tools enable real-time monitoring, improve data accuracy, detect issues early, and optimize peak load management. They also support renewable energy integration, helping to prevent outages and reduce losses. Enhanced cybersecurity ensures robust protection for both the network and data.

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An energy transition: Expert insights and innovations