These were some of the questions explored at Innovation of Energy ’26, an event that brought together energy, digitalization, infrastructure, and technology experts at Brdo pri Kranju. Discussions focused on topics such as grid flexibility, artificial intelligence, active energy management, digital platforms, e-mobility, and battery energy storage systems.
Among the speakers were representatives of Iskraemeco, who shared their perspectives on how data, digitalization, and flexibility can help utilities address the challenges of the energy transition.
Building the future grid through flexibility
In his presentation, Klemen Belec, Global Director of the Electricity Business Unit, highlighted the growing importance of flexibility in the development of modern power systems. He emphasized that future challenges cannot be solved through infrastructure upgrades alone, but also through a better understanding of grid behavior, advanced forecasting capabilities, and the effective activation of flexibility when and where it is needed. Smart meters play a crucial role in this process by providing the data required to understand grid conditions, predict future loads, and verify the impact of flexibility measures.
“We are building the future of energy through flexibility, data, and the ability to understand what is happening in the grid in real time.”
Klemen Belec
Global Director of the Electricity Business Unit, Iskraemeco
During his presentation, he also highlighted the importance of interoperability, collaboration among stakeholders, and cybersecurity, which is increasingly becoming a foundation for the secure and reliable operation of energy systems.
How flexibility works in practice
The practical value of flexibility was demonstrated through a real-life example from Vodice, presented by Tomaž Dostal, Head of Innovation sector.
The Vodice project showcases how the combination of smart metering, advanced analytics, and active consumer participation can optimize the operation of a local distribution grid. The solution includes real-time grid monitoring, consumption coordination, and the use of flexibility mechanisms to address specific challenges faced by distribution system operators.
“Flexibility is no longer a concept of the future. Today, it can be measured, managed, and verified through real grid data.”
Tomaž Dostal
Head of Innovation, Iskraemeco
Data as a competitive advantage
The event also featured a panel discussion on digitalization, artificial intelligence, and flexibility in the energy system of the future, where our colleague, Aleš Glavina, Director of Digital Platforms at Iskraemeco, participated.
The discussion addressed one of the most pressing challenges facing today’s energy sector: how to transform vast amounts of data into actionable insights that support better decision-making. Panelists agreed that future leaders will be those who successfully combine data with advanced analytics, digital platforms, and AI-powered tools.
“The energy sector does not suffer from a lack of data. The real challenge is turning millions of data points into knowledge that supports better investments, more efficient grid management, and a faster energy transition.”
Aleš Glavina
Global Director of the Digital Platforms Business Unit, Iskraemeco
As a result, digital twins, predictive models, and data-driven decision-making are no longer emerging concepts. They are becoming essential tools for planning, operating, and managing modern energy systems.
This year’s event covered a wide range of topics, from artificial intelligence and energy communities to battery storage and e-mobility, but one message stood out clearly: the energy transition will only succeed if we are able to connect data, technology, and people.
For the energy industry, this means moving beyond simply collecting data and focusing instead on turning it into meaningful insights that drive better decisions. The ability to transform data into action will be one of the key enablers of a more flexible, resilient, and sustainable energy system in the years ahead.
