Luís Vale Cunha

Job Title: Director of European Policies and Projects, Board Member, Chairman
Company: ETIP SNET
Country: Portugal

With relevant experience in the electricity sector, he has dedicated much of its activity to innovation, business development, technology and transformation, while actively contributing to the development of European energy policies and their practical translation into digital and smart grids and their contribution to a consumer and community-centred energy transition. He is currently Director of European Policies and Projects at E-REDES, the DSO in mainland Portugal, responsible for the coordination of European activities and funded projects. He is a board member of the EU DSO Entity, Chair of ETIP SNET, and an active member, since its foundation, of E.DSO (formerly EDSO for Smart Grids). He also actively participates in European forums and platforms related to the energy sector.

May 06, 2025The Energy Transition - Challenges for Grid Operators

May 07, 2025Welcome and Introduction

Sessions

Session

Innovation & Digitalization

Wednesday, May 07, 2025, 11:00 am - 12:30 pm

ICM München Room 13 A

The European Commission estimates that network operators will need to invest at least 170 billion euros in network digitalization and intelligence by 2030. Disruptive AI and GenAI technologies, digital twins and 5G are transforming society and redesigning our ecosystems at an exponential and unstoppable rate. This session will feature a critical discussion on the future of European innovation and industry, focusing on the implementation of these emerging technologies and their role in shaping the next phase of industrial transformation. Experts from various sectors will explore key topics such as the challenges and opportunities in network investment, the transformative effects of digitalization and AI, and collaborative approaches to addressing implementation challenges.

Session

Developing the Future Distribution Grid

Tuesday, May 06, 2025, 11:30 am - 01:00 pm

ICM München Room 13 A

The global energy landscape is changing rapidly as demand for electricity increases and distributed generation becomes more widespread. In their efforts to modernize and expand an already aging power grid, utilities and grid operators face significant obstacles and challenges in maintaining system stability and resilience. In addition, shortages of skilled labor and materials are slowing infrastructure development. Addressing these issues requires technological innovation, policy reforms, and collaboration across the energy industry. The session will explore how to create a power system that is not only reliable and secure but also flexible enough to adapt the changing energy landscape.