European LEONARDO project will test new models of energy flexibility in industry
EDP, through its Research and Development Centre (EDP R&D), is part of the European consortium of the LEONARDO project, an initiative funded by the European Union’s LIFE Programme that aims to unlock the potential of energy flexibility in the industrial sector, contributing to strengthening grid stability and accelerating the energy transition in Europe.
The LEONARDO project focuses on aggregating flexibility on the industrial demand side, enabling companies to intelligently adjust their energy consumption and production according to the needs of the electrical system. By acting in a coordinated manner, industries take on an active role in reducing consumption peaks and integrating renewable energy sources. Through the implementation of real-life pilot projects and the development of advanced interoperability solutions, LEONARDO promotes a more resilient, sustainable, and flexible energy system at the European scale.
Starting in September 2025 and lasting 36 months, the project will be tested across three pilot sites in Europe (Italy, Austria and Bulgaria/Greece), acting as living laboratories to validate technological solutions, aggregation models and new energy flexibility services.
Within the scope of LEONARDO, EDP R&D contributes to strategic components of the project, playing a central role in developing innovative tools that support decision-making and reduce investment risk in the energy sector.
Among its main contributions is SmartForesight, an open-source long-term energy planning tool designed to support energy and flexibility aggregators. EDP is also responsible for the development of FlexifyMyIndustry, a solution that assesses industries’ readiness to provide flexibility services and quantifies their potential participation in different markets.
Additionally, EDP supports the definition of coordination models between transmission system operators (TSOs) and distribution system operators (DSOs), promoting a more efficient integration of industrial flexibility into energy systems.
Industrial demand-side flexibility is considered an underutilised resource in the European Union. It is estimated that its strategic implementation could reduce consumption peaks by 4.7% to 7.1%, significantly contributing to grid resilience and the objectives of the European Green Deal.
The LEONARDO project brings together a multidisciplinary consortium of 11 European partners, coordinated by the Fondazione Bruno Kessler:
Research Centres and Universities:
- Fondazione Bruno Kessler (Italy)
- Fundacion CARTIF (Spain)
- Panepistimio Patron EL (Greece)
Technology and Industry Partners:
- Europäisches Zentrum für Erneuerbare Energie Güssing GmbH (Austria)
- Centre for New Energy Technologies SA (Portugal)
- Consorzio Elettrico di Storo, Società Cooperativa (Italy)
- RINA Consulting SPA (Italy)
- Ellinika Petrelaia Monoprosopi Anonymi Etaireia Diylisi Efodiasmou Kai Poliseon Petrelaioeidon Kai Petrochimikon (Greece)
- Stomana Industry SA (Bulgary)
- EVON GmbH (Austria)
- SINLOC-Sistema Iniziative Locali SPA (Italy)
For more information, visit the LEONARDO project profile.
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.