A highly-dynamic and distributed operational framework for smart energy networks

The intense environmental concern regarding the CO₂ footprint of the energy sector entails the higher Renewable Energy Sources (RES) share in the energy mix of the global production profile. Currently, energy is produced and distributed under a centralized framework preventing small electricity producers from participating in the electricity market, unless they are part of larger energy associations, the administration of which necessitates the exploitation of new energy and ICT technologies. The VIMSEN project introduces a highly dynamic and distributed market framework, in which new market players will emerge and the current energy market ecosystem will be modified. The framework is primarily based on the concept of Virtual Micro-Grids (VMGs) and on the active participation of renewable energy prosumers. This position paper aims to analyze the VIMSEN ecosystem in a conceptual way and introduce novel market actors as well as their responsibilities that enable the implementation of beyond state-of-the-art ICT frameworks and business models in future liberalized energy markets.