Call for applications for the European Commission’s Smart Energy Expert Group

The Commission is calling for applications with a view to selecting members of the group, whose mission is to accelerate the digitalisation of the energy system and contribute to the smart energy transition.

The Commission’s Directorate-General for Energy (‘DG ENER’) and Directorate-General for Communications Networks, Content and Technology (‘DG CNECT’) have just launched a Call for Applications  to select members of the ‘Smart Energy Expert Group’ (‘SEEG’) [C(2023) 6121] .

The creation of this formal Expert Group  and its guiding principles were outlined in the EU action plan for digitalising the energy system, published in October 2022 [COM(2022) 552 final and SWD(2022) 341 final].

Building on the work of the Smart Grids Task Force, the SEEG aims to assist the Commission on issues regarding the sustainable digital transformation of the energy system, and in the development and deployment of smart energy solutions that support and are strategically aligned with the goals of the twin green and digital transition.

To achieve this objective, the Commission will establish three subgroups under the SEEG:

1. The ‘Data for Energy’ (‘D4E’) working group, as announced in the Digitalisation of Energy Action Plan, focuses on providing recommendations and facilitating the exchange of best practices regarding the access to, sharing of, and (re-)use of energy-related data. The ultimately goal is to support the Commission in laying the groundwork for a common European data space for energy;
2. The “Consumer Empowerment and Protection” working group aims to bolster consumer engagement and empowerment, enabling them to actively participate in the energy market. They will also explore ways for consumers to benefit from smart energy services and innovative collective consumption/production models, helping them in energy conservation and bill reduction;
3. The “Cybersecurity” working group will provide recommendations and guidance to the Commission on cybersecurity for energy systems. This encompasses evaluating the ramifications of new legislative initiatives in the field and exploring how best to address related challenges.

The SEEG should also serve as a platform where the Commission, Member States and stakeholders from the energy and digital domains, can exchange information and best practices on smart energy issues.

The call for applications for the SEEG will remain open until the 6th of November 2023.