EDP, through its Research and Development Centre (EDP R&D), has joined the European LEONARDO project, which aims to explore new ways to increase energy flexibility in the industrial sector. The initiative is funded by the European Union’s LIFE Programme and seeks to improve grid stability while supporting Europe’s energy transition.
The LEONARDO project will focus on enabling industries to adjust their energy use and production in response to electrical system needs. By coordinating these efforts, companies can help reduce peak consumption periods and make it easier to integrate renewable energy sources into the grid. The project includes real-life pilot programs and advanced interoperability solutions that are designed to create a more flexible and resilient European energy system.
Set to begin in September 2025, the project will run for 36 months. It will be tested at three pilot sites located in Italy, Austria, and Bulgaria/Greece. These locations will serve as test beds for technological solutions, aggregation models, and new services related to energy flexibility.
Within this framework, EDP R&D is responsible for developing key components of the project. This includes creating tools that assist with decision-making processes and help lower investment risks within the energy sector.
One of EDP’s main contributions is SmartForesight—an open-source tool aimed at helping long-term planning for those involved in aggregating energy flexibility. Additionally, EDP is leading the development of FlexifyMyIndustry, a solution that evaluates how prepared industries are to offer flexibility services and measures their potential participation across different markets.
EDP also plays a role in defining coordination models between transmission system operators (TSOs) and distribution system operators (DSOs), aiming for more efficient integration of industrial flexibility into broader energy systems.
According to estimates referenced by the consortium, using demand-side flexibility strategically could reduce peak consumption by between 4.7% and 7.1%. This would support greater grid resilience as well as goals set out under the European Green Deal.
The LEONARDO consortium consists of 11 partners from across Europe. It is coordinated by Fondazione Bruno Kessler (Italy) and includes research centers such as Fundacion CARTIF (Spain) and Panepistimio Patron EL (Greece); technology firms like Europäisches Zentrum für Erneuerbare Energie Güssing GmbH (Austria) and EVON GmbH (Austria); industry partners including Stomana Industry SA (Bulgaria); along with other organizations from Portugal, Italy, Greece, Spain, Austria, Bulgaria.
“LEONARDO is a LIFE project, co-funded by the European Union under grant agreement no. 101215528. However, the views and opinions expressed are solely those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or CINEA. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them,” according to information provided about funding conditions.
