How secure is secure enough? The power system's ability to continuously fulfil its function against adverse situations, has taken centre stage: electricity must be supplied whenever and wherever needed to avoid serious hazards to society. This is why we support EU initiatives such as REPowerEU, the EU Green Deal and the twin green and digital transition by: studying electricity security, resilience and risk preparedness; developing complex socio-techno-economic models and analysing threats surfacing beyond the physical sphere.

Are bits and electrons driving a whole-system change? Electricity systems increasingly embedding digital solutions (such as smart meters, artificial intelligence) open the door to unprecedented opportunities and challenges. This is why we support initiatives such the EU's energy digitalisation action plan by assessing smart grid projects/technologies deployment and interoperability, electricity systems development, electric vehicle integration and many other intelligent electricity system features.

How to give (smart energy) power to people? People shall be at the core of the energy transition: studying the social challenges intertwined with the energy system changes is crucial. Focus is moving from a component oriented to a socio-technological analysis of power system dynamics. This is why we support EU initiatives for a just twinned green and digital transition by studying the acceptance, involvement and engagement issues at the interface between the social and the technical layers of the electricity system.

How to upgrade the rules of the (electricity) game? Markets are the instruments supporting power system operations and developments by distributing electricity-related costs and benefits among players. Market rules may need to evolve in order to accommodate technological innovation and energy delivery solutions, while steering the energy transition to the citizens’ benefit. This is why we inform legislative and regulatory actions by studying options and evolutions of the energy market schemes, at both the retail and wholesale level.