PlatOne project: enabling energy flexibility within an open and inclusive European market.

Electrical grid operators are tasked with ensuring an uninterrupted flow of electricity, yet renewable energy sources are intermittent and unpredictable. This can quickly lead to drops in production. Conversely, excessive electricity production can also be problematic. Innovative Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) can assist grid operators in managing both underproduction and overproduction scenarios. This is what Apio is achieving alongside partners from Germany, Italy, Belgium, and Greece, who will investigate and implement in the European project PlatOne, an international consortium of energy and IT technology experts jointly developing innovative solutions to make the generation and consumption of flexible energy commercially viable. Unlocking these flexibilities allows for the integration of more renewable energy sources while maintaining grid stability.

To increase the energy system's flexibility and achieve an open and non-discriminatory market, it is necessary to connect electricity producers and consumers with network operators.

PlatOne utilizes blockchain technology as a key element in managing the energy system. Blockchain technology securely and transparently stores transaction information in the "blocks" of a distributed database. Entries in the database are dispersed and highly protected, and thus cannot be easily corrupted or hacked. As a result, blockchain technology helps to meet cybersecurity requirements. In PlatOne, this network of smart block controllers stores information on available flexibilities and executes operations on demand.

The consortium that enabled the realization of PlatOne consisted of 12 partners from Belgium, Germany, Greece, and Italy. Among them were solution providers, research organizations, major Distribution System Operators (DSO), and consulting firms, who worked on a common challenge.

These include Acea Energia, Areti, Apio Energy Platform Provider, Avacon, BAUM, Engineering, E.DSO, Hedno, National Technical University of Athens (NTUA), RSE, Siemens, coordinated by the German University of Aachen (RWTH Aachen University). The high professionalism and great cooperation among the involved partners led to the achievement of excellent and extraordinary results.

The project PLATform for Operation of distribution NEtworks (Platone) receives funding from the European Union's Horizon 2020 research and innovation program under grant agreement No. 864300.

In the pulsating heart of Italy, Rome stands not only as a cradle of history and culture but also as the epicenter of an energy revolution that could define the future of sustainability and innovation in the country. Led by Areti, the capital's Distribution System Operator (DSO), and in close collaboration with Acea, the Platone project represents a beacon of progress in the Italian energy landscape. The shared vision and operations of Areti and Acea pave the way towards an energy flexibility market that not only respects the environment but enhances it, proposing a sustainable model for metropolises around the world.

The decision to divide the experimentation into three different urban contexts – Tor di Valle, Ostiense, and Centocelle – is not random but responds to a precise intention: to demonstrate the versatility and effectiveness of the proposed solutions in various scenarios, from residential to industrial, from popular areas to business districts. This diversification testifies to Areti and Acea's commitment to considering the uniqueness of each urban context and integrating energy initiatives with the specificities and needs of each district.

The execution of pilot tests in the three Roman neighborhoods has highlighted the importance of collaboration between public and private entities, local communities, and energy operators. Energy communities, already present in these areas, have played a crucial role, showing how the union of forces and visions can translate into concrete and beneficial solutions for all. This collaborative approach is fundamental to building a flexible, resilient, and sustainable energy future.

The significance of Areti and Acea's vision and operations in the Platone project transcends the boundaries of individual pilot tests, projecting the city of Rome into a future where the energy flexibility market becomes a pillar of the national energy strategy. These experiments are the emblem of how technological innovation, combined with strong political will and community commitment, can create more efficient energy systems, reducing dependence on fossil fuels and improving the quality of urban life.

Acea, with its historical presence in the Roman urban fabric and its expertise in the energy sector, together with Areti's vision, is paving the way for an energy model that values local resources, promotes self-sufficiency, and supports the development of smart infrastructures. Their synergistic action represents a reference point for the energy transition, not only for Italy but for cities around the world that look to Rome as an example of energy innovation and sustainability.

The experience of Areti and Acea in the Platone project highlights the critical importance of shared visions and coordinated actions in promoting the shift towards a more sustainable and flexible energy future. The success of these experiments opens up new possibilities for the energy flexibility market, emphasizing the key role of cities in driving the global energy transformation.