Elia’s Academic Board meets for the third time to strengthen collaboration for Belgium’s future

BRUSSELS | Elia hosted the third annual meeting of its Academic Board last week. Bringing together academic leaders from various Belgian universities and Elia’s energy experts, the event aimed to foster collaboration, provide transparency on topics related to Elia, and address key challenges linked to the energy transition in Belgium. Since its launch in October 2022, the Board has been driven by a two-fold vision: firstly, fostering collaboration between Elia and different universities and working on innovative projects with academia; and secondly, facilitating discussions about topics linked to the energy transition. This year, university representatives shared their views and research on critical topics that concern the evolution of our energy system: AI, cybersecurity, flexibility, grid planning, and operations. The discussions also discussed the Blueprint study recently published by Elia.

Ensuring transparency and generating synergies through the Academic Board

This year, Elia’s Academic Board met to explore several major topics. Elia’s experts and Academic Board members participated in lively discussions during this third edition, which enabled them to identify some key areas for collaboration. Several themes relevant to the country’s energy transition were addressed:

• Firstly, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Cybersecurity. This session highlighted the importance of attracting more AI researchers to new issues and challenges in power systems, particularly those related to grid operation.. More information on the large number of new connected devices in relation to cyber risks and the related data is needed on this subject.
• Secondly, Grid Planning and Flexibility. Presentations largely focused on the integration of renewable energy sources through the necessary long-term network planning. There was also discussion about the importance of system flexibility as Belgium anticipates a significant increase in renewable energy by 2030.
• Thirdly, System Blueprint Study. A recap of Elia’s System Blueprint Study (covering scenarios from 2035 to 2050) provided academic experts with insights into how different energy strategies might shape Belgium’s infrastructure needs.
• Finally, Collaboration in Research and Innovation. Opportunities for collaboration between Elia and universities were emphasised, particularly regarding projects that could be jointly developed under Belgium’s Energy Transition Fund.

As the Elia Academic Board continues to evolve, it aims to be a beacon of innovation, collaboration, and impact in the energy sector, contributing to the energy transition and benefiting Belgian society.

" This forum, which was created to address future strategic challenges, will now focus on projects that will be developed by Elia and its academic partners and by universities amongst themselves. The challenges we are facing are important and the role academia will play in addressing these is essential."
Frédéric Dunon, CEO of Elia Transmission Belgium

Following the success of this third Elia Academic Board meeting, collaborative efforts will continue to grow, with the next projects, for example, focusing on HVDC technologies, wind energy integration, and enhancing system flexibility to support Belgium’s 2050 energy goals.