Explicit demand response plays a significant role in the future energy grid transition, as it involves end consumers in smart grid activities and, at the same time, exploits the potential of flexibility, giving the opportunity to grid operators to accommodate a total amount of energy without the need to reinforce the grid infrastructure. For evaluating the successfulness of a demand response program, thus, evaluating its advantages, it is fundamental to have an accurate baseline curve consumption along with meaningful key performance indicators. In this work, we propose a novel way of calculating the baseline consumption using artificial intelligence techniques. In particular, regression models have been applied to a database of historical data. In order to present a complete evaluation of demand response programs, we present five key performance indicators (KPIs). The KPIs have been selected so as to depict the successfulness of the explicit demand response program. We suggest a novel way of evaluating two of the five KPI using a quantitative approach. We also apply the proposed methodology for baseline calculation and KPIs evaluation in a practical example: two pilot sites have been used and real-life scenarios of demand response events have been applied for this scope to actual nonindustrial consumers and especially residential consumers. The baseline has been calculated for these pilot sites and the KPIs have been evaluated for them. The presented results complete the picture of evaluating a real-life demand response program and show the effectiveness of the selected approach. The proposed schemes for baseline calculation and KPI evaluation can be used by the scientific community for evaluating future demand response programs, especially in the residential sector.

This report reviews some of the main projects on developing flexibility markets in Europe. The analysis focuses on cases aiming primarily on the provision of local flexibility services to Distribution System Operators through market-based instruments and the role of regulation in promoting the use of flexibility. Specifically, the following projects/markets have been reviewed where in parenthesis the country in which have been developed:
Sthlmflex (Sweden)
IntraFlex (UK)
NorFlex (Norway)
GOPACS (the Netherlands)
Enera Flexmarkt (Germany)
GB flexibility tenders by DSOs (UK)
ENEDIS flexibility tenders (France)
The following aspects are examined in more detail: Pre-qualification procedures, specification of flexibility products, the trading mechanism, and activation and settlement. Whenever possible information on traded volumes and prices has been gathered. Common characteristics as well as differences between the reviewed local flexibility markets are discussed, while current trends and challenges for the future are identified.

Interoperability is a challenge for the realisation of smart grids. In this work, we first present an interoperability testing methodology, which is substantial to perform interoperability tests for the smart grid. To show its applicability and facilitate its comprehension, we present an example by applying it on a Demand Side Management (DSM) use case. The DSM use case is chosen because it is a major topic for modern grids and it involves the participation of many actors. The tutorial exemplifies the interactions among those actors. The Smart Grid Architecture Model SGAM framework is used, where the mapping of the use case is presented along with the Message Sequence Chart (MSC). Then we describe the profiling of the equipment, relevant technical information and standards, which form the basis for the design and execution of the interoperability tests. We focus on the technical part of the interoperability testing; therefore, attention is focused on the information and communication layer. We present how the interoperability tests should take place and we analytically show the respective Test Cases (TC). The verdict of the test should be either PASS or FAIL. The paper shows how to successfully use the methodology for interoperability testing on a specific use case, whereas its applicability can be extended to any smart grid interoperability use case.

The objective of this report is to provide recommendations for long-term R&D priorities for crosscutting EC funded projects in the energy domain. Nineteen JRC experts analysed synergies and issues of the future energy system in following areas:
* objectives of Horizon 2020 projects were compared with national and international projects;
* key energy technologies for a cost-effective energy transition using the energy system model JRC-EU-TIMES;
* development trends of LCEO technologies with regard to their potential to provide grid support services; and
* R&D synergies between LCEO technologies to accelerate development and use research budgets efficiently.

Ongoing deployments of intermittent non-synchronous power generators (i.e., wind turbines and photovoltaics) challenge power (electricity) system security in terms of matching power generation and demand. Higher flexibility in the future generation fleet and power demand are likely to play an essential role in maintaining secure operation of the power system. This paper proposes a stepwise methodology based on a set of indicators for future power system flexibility analysis through assessing (i) flexibility requirements, (ii) available flexibility resources, and (iii) power system adequacy. The proposed methodology is applied to a European case for 2020 and 2025 scenarios. The insights gained from this study can be used as input in distributing power balancing resources and to introduce new balancing products in a power market. Benefits of the integrated energy market are presented.