Mid-Term Meeting Elia Group Research Challenge

The Elia Group Research Challenge, launched by 50Hertz Transmission GmbH and Energinet, is now at its halfway point – a good time to look at the achievements so far, discuss lessons learned and agree on the next steps for the upcoming months. 

The Elia Group Research Challenge, launched by 50Hertz Transmission GmbH and Energinet, is now at its halfway point – a good time to look at the achievements so far, discuss lessons learned and agree on the next steps for the upcoming months. The Elia Group Research Challenge connects research directly with system operations, aiming to deliver real-world impact in our control center. Further information on the approach can be found in this previous article

At the Global System Operations Summit in Berlin, the Research Challenge team came together to share progress, exchange insights, and reflect on the journey so far. The challenge is not only advancing technical innovation but also pioneering new models of cooperation across Belgium, Germany, Switzerland, and the United States.

Tackling High-Impact Challenges

The one-year challenge focuses on agile collaboration with research teams to address key issues in electrical engineering and IT.

Four projects are currently underway:

1. Optimizing Grid Monitoring
Fraunhofer IEE – Dr. Benjamin Requardt
Using power system simulators to improve visibility and responsiveness in grid operations.
2. Exploring Network Control via Impedance Frequency Scans
Fraunhofer IEE – Farhad Safargholi & ETH Zürich – Florian Dörfler, Mohamed Abdalmoaty, Verena Häberle
Investigating new methods to enhance control capabilities and system stability.
3. Speeding Up Load Flow Calculations
Forschungszentrum Jülich – Dirk Witthaut
Developing faster algorithms to support real-time decision-making.
4. Enhancing Simulation Speed in Modelica
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute – Luigi Vanfretti
Improving simulation performance to enable more dynamic system analysis.

Lessons Learned So Far

As we reach the midpoint of the challenge, three key insights have emerged:

• Clear Scope and Milestones Matter
  Quality research benefits from stronger definition of its scope and milestones.
• Creativity Is Essential
  Research thrives on experimentation, questioning assumptions, and testing new ideas.
• Collaboration Is Key
  Regular check-ins and close cooperation between researchers and system operators are vital to success.

Looking Ahead

The second half of the challenge promises exciting developments as research teams move toward delivering actionable results. By bridging the gap between academia and operations, the Elia Group Research Challenge is helping shape the future of grid innovation—faster, smarter, and more connected.

Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to explore new ways of working together to meet the demands of tomorrow’s energy system.