On November 22^nd of 2019 a workshop was held at the University of Cyprus, Nicosia covering two EU funded research and innovation projects, DELTA and DRIMPAC. The workshop was hosted by FOSS Research Centre for Sustainable Energy of the University of Cyprus and was titled “Emerging Energy Systems & the role of Demand Response”. Addressing the evolving new electricity market and Demand Response and focusing on the concept of the aggregator and two EU funded research and innovation projects, DELTA and DRIMPAC, FOSS invited all those interested in smart grids and the future of energy markets to join them in discussing the latest trends in energy flexibility.

The workshop opened by Dr Venizelos Efthymiou, Chairman of FOSS, who presented the guiding policy objectives for European R&I roadmap and the high-level objectives of the Energy Policy of the EU. The presentation focused on the future vision of power systems, the emerging benefits of Demand Response and how available resources can be efficiently used to boost flexibility. A presentation by Special Scientist Venizelos Venizelou, FOSS followed. The presentation focused on the concept and objectives of the DELTA project, while explicitly explained the deployment plans of the Cyprus pilot-site as well as the activities performed for eliciting the participants to fully gain the benefits of their active participation. FOSS Special Scientist Filippos Perdikos continued with a presentation of the DRIMPAC project. The objectives and challenges of the project as well as the pilot end-user engagement and training activities along with the benefits of participation were presented.

Relevant stakeholders came together to exchange views in a transparent and constructive way on the challenges ahead. Guests had the opportunity to learn about the innovative areas of research which the projects are pioneering. The workshop emphasized on the engagement activities of end users which live or operate within the pilot sites as well as addressing their concerns. The main aim was to finalize the recruitment and preparation of the end-users as well as to motivate them so that they actively participate. Additionally, discussions on the project objectives and how they will impact the future energy markets were held enabling guests to provide feedback which will assist in the validation of user requirement and business cases. The workshop had over 30 attendees, comprising a wide cross-section of stakeholders, while responses were analysed and classified by type of stakeholder. Four types of stakeholders were identified:

• Transmission System Operators
• Distribution System Operators
• Small/Medium Enterprises
• Pilot-participants / potential end-users