The SMARTGYsum consortium gathered in Badajoz, Spain, from 19 to 21 March 2026 for its Closing Meeting and Results Presentation, marking the conclusion of more than four years of collaborative work in smart and green energy systems. The event brought together project partners, researchers, representatives from the University of Extremadura’s Rectorate, the regional government of Extremadura, and other strategic stakeholders to reflect on the project’s main achievements and future potential. More than a final meeting, the event served as a moment to showcase the project’s contribution to European research, innovation and skills development in support of the energy transition. Strategic collaboration for Europe’s energy transition One of the key strengths of SMARTGYsum has been its ability to build a strong European collaboration network connecting universities, research centres, companies and institutions around shared energy challenges. The final event reflected this collaborative spirit, bringing together the consortium and invited stakeholders to exchange perspectives on the future of energy systems, the role of research and innovation, and the importance of continuing cross-sector cooperation beyond the project’s formal end. Discussions throughout the event reinforced the value of European partnerships in addressing complex challenges such as renewable integration, digitalisation, decentralised energy systems and the development of more flexible and resilient energy infrastructures. Research impact: from scientific results to real-world relevance A central focus of the event was the presentation of SMARTGYsum’s scientific and technical results, particularly in areas linked to the intelligent management of energy systems. Among the topics highlighted were advances in: Smart residential Virtual Power Plants (VPPs) Microgrids and energy communities Distributed generation and storage Power electronics and smart control systems Digital solutions for energy flexibility and optimisation These research outcomes reflect SMARTGYsum’s broader contribution to the energy transition: helping develop solutions that can improve system efficiency, support renewable integration, and create new opportunities for smarter, more decentralised energy models in Europe. The event also created space to reflect on how these results can continue to evolve through future research, collaboration and practical implementation. Training the next generation of energy researchers Beyond research results, SMARTGYsum leaves behind a strong human legacy. As a Marie Sklodowska-Curie Innovative Training Network, the project has trained 15 Early-Stage Researchers (ESRs) through an international, interdisciplinary and cross-sector programme designed to prepare them for the future of energy research and innovation. Throughout the project, these researchers have developed advanced scientific expertise while also gaining: International mobility experience Exposure to both academic and non-academic environments Technical and transferable skills A deeper understanding of the broader European energy ecosystem Today, they are well prepared to continue their careers in research institutions, universities, innovation ecosystems and industry, contributing to the development of smarter, greener and more resilient energy systems across Europe and beyond. As SMARTGYsum comes to a close, the project leaves behind more than a strong body of scientific work. It also leaves a collaborative European network, a set of results with long-term relevance, and a new generation of researchers ready to shape the future of energy. The final event in Badajoz was not only a moment to close a successful project, but also an opportunity to recognise the value of European cooperation, research excellence and doctoral training in accelerating the transition towards a more sustainable and digital energy future.

The SMARTGYsum final and closing event will be held in Badajoz from March 19 to 20, 2026. The event will include sessions where main results will be exposed to general audience and special sessions about specific related topic.

Researchers involved in the European Horizon project SMARTGYsum have published new findings demonstrating how residential energy systems can be optimized to operate as efficient and cost-effective Virtual Power Plants (VPPs). The study, published in the journal Energies, presents a hybrid optimization framework that combines artificial intelligence techniques with advanced control methods to significantly reduce electricity costs while improving computational performance, offering a scalable solution for future energy markets. The study, titled “Iterative Genetic Algorithm to Improve Optimization of a Residential Virtual Power Plant”, is authored by A.A. Alvi, L. Martínez-Caballero, E. Romero-Cadaval, E. González-Romera, and M. Malinowski. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/en18205377 A breakthrough in residential energy optimization The research introduces a two-stage optimization framework that enhances how residential VPPs coordinate electric vehicle (EV) charging, energy storage systems (ESS), and household consumption to minimize costs and support grid flexibility. In the first stage, a Genetic Algorithm (GA) explores multiple operational scenarios, capturing the stochastic nature of energy demand and supply. In the second stage, the solution is refined using a gradient-based method—MATLAB’s Fmincon solver—achieving both precision and computational efficiency. Real-world validation and measurable impact To ensure practical relevance, the team conducted a real-case study incorporating detailed system models of power electronic converters and control systems. Across multiple scenarios, the optimized VPP achieved: Up to 50.2% reduction in electricity costs. More than 95% decrease in simulation time, identifying the best solution in just 65 iterations. Full compliance with operational constraints, demonstrating the robustness of the hybrid optimization method. Implications for the energy transition As Europe accelerates the integration of distributed energy resources, residential VPPs are becoming strategic tools for demand-side flexibility. This research highlights how combining artificial intelligence techniques with advanced optimization can unlock new value streams for households, energy communities, and grid operators. According to the SMARTGYsum team, the proposed framework positions residential VPPs as viable contributors to a smarter, more resilient energy system—helping consumers reduce costs while supporting broader decarbonization goals. About SMARTGYsum SMARTGYsum is a Horizon Europe research and innovation project focused on developing advanced modelling, control, and market solutions to enhance flexibility in electrical networks. The project brings together universities, research centers, and industry partners across Europe to accelerate the deployment of next-generation smart energy systems.

On 15–16 January 2026, the SMARTGYsum consortium met in Brussels for a series of strategic meetings aimed at promoting project results, reinforcing dialogue with European stakeholders, and coordinating the final phase of the project. Hosted in part by the Delegación de Extremadura en Bruselas, the meetings provided a platform to exchange perspectives on how research, digitalisation, and innovation can contribute to accelerating Europe’s energy transition. The programme included presentations of scientific results, discussions on implementation challenges, and reflections on doctoral training and mobility within the project. Executive Committee meetings also addressed future actions, dissemination activities, and preparations for the final SMARTGYsum event in Badajoz. A dedicated session focused on SmartgySUM’s scientific outcomes, with individual research projects presented alongside a joint discussion on barriers to implementation and lessons learned. Particular attention was given to: The progress of Early Stage Researchers (ESRs) Mobility and secondment experiences The overall impact of the project’s training activities The agenda also included exchanges with Members of the European Parliament and discussions with representatives of European institutions. These conversations highlighted the importance of ensuring that academic research and doctoral training actively inform policy development, regulatory frameworks, and real-world energy challenges. Overall, the Brussels meetings reaffirmed SmartgySUM’s role in bridging academic research, policy, and implementation, contributing to the development of resilient, digital, and citizen-centred energy systems in Europe.