On December 11th and 12th, the OMEGA-X project partners convened at the Estabanell Group’s headquarters in Granollers, Spain, for its 6th plenary meeting — one of the final opportunities to align efforts and review progress before the project’s completion.
Over two days filled with meaningful discussions and collaborative exchange, the project partners reviewed key technical activities and advancements in various areas, with a focus on enabling interoperability and scaling solutions within the energy ecosystem.
Key Highlights from the Meeting
Progress on Core Technical Components
OMEGA-X continues to make significant strides in its development of key building blocks for energy data spaces. Key technical areas reviewed included:
- Data Ingestion and Marketplace Development: The partners showcased impressive progress in data ingestion technologies, Trust and Security frameworks, and the integration of data analytics services. The demonstration of integrated components such as data space connectors, identity managers, the Clearing House, Federated Catalogue, and the Marketplace underscored the extensive efforts made in preparing the second MVP (Minimum Viable Product) towards the final stages of the project.
- Common Information Model and Semantic Interoperability: OMEGA-X is also advancing in the development of a Common Information Model to ensure semantic interoperability across various platforms and technologies. This is a crucial step for enabling seamless data exchange within the energy sector and ensuring compatibility with existing and future infrastructure.
Use Case Families and Pilot Results
The meeting also provided insights into the 10 pilots being developed within four use case families, demonstrating the growing potential of using data spaces for real-world applications in the energy market. The roadmap presented during the session highlights the tangible results these pilots aim to deliver in the coming months, setting the stage for the full deployment of scalable, interoperable solutions.
Collaboration with Sister Projects and Stakeholder Engagement
One of the major discussion points focused on the collaboration efforts with sister projects, including the alignment with the Energy Interoperability Task Force and the BRIDGE working groups. The partners also began preparations for an interoperability demonstration in Bilbao scheduled for March 2024, where the community of sister projects will participate in and witness the project’s advancements in action.
Site Visit: Exploring a Local Energy Community
To close the first day of the meeting, partners visited Estabanell’s facilities and the local energy communities pilot and PV (photovoltaic) “living lab”. This site visit provided valuable insights into the real-world use of the OMEGA-X data space, as well as the innovative energy practices being implemented at the local level. The PV living lab, in particular, showcased cutting-edge developments in solar energy and data-driven solutions for energy management, allowing participants to see firsthand the impact of these technologies in action.
Standardization
The next day, the partners highlighted their continued efforts to engage stakeholders and ensure the long-term sustainability of the OMEGA-X solutions. This includes the ongoing preparations for a workshop with Standardization Bodies, which will contribute to the finalization of OMEGA-X recommendations on standards. These activities are essential for driving broader adoption of the solutions developed by the project.
Business Model and Market Adoption
Another key outcome from the meeting was the sharing of results from the internal business model workshop held in Maia, Portugal, earlier this year. The partners reviewed the scalability and replicability of OMEGA-X solutions, and discussed the next steps in creating a viable business model for the OMEGA-X marketplace.
Strengthening Communication and Dissemination Efforts
The meeting also saw updates on the project’s communication and dissemination strategies, with a focus on the upcoming academy and the rich array of activities designed to maximize the impact of OMEGA-X’s findings. These initiatives will play a pivotal role in ensuring that the knowledge generated through the project is shared with the wider energy and technology communities.
Looking Ahead
As the OMEGA-X project moves closer to its conclusion, the focus will be on finalizing technical solutions, ensuring interoperability, and engaging with stakeholders to ensure the long-term viability of the project’s outcomes. The partners are enthusiastic about the progress made so far and look forward to showcasing the project’s final results.