The Think Tank on Energy Interoperability Governance: A Successful Exchange in Vienna

The int:net Think Tank on Energy Interoperability Governance took place in Vienna, bringing together an impressive group of experts from across Europe. Invited by the int:net project, practitioners from utilities and grid operators, representatives of energy and industry associations, as well as academics from both technical and social sciences, gathered to tackle one of the key challenges of the energy transition: governance for a sustainable, needs-driven, and interoperable energy system.

In a collaborative and highly motivated atmosphere, participants discussed challenges, opportunities, and concrete solutions — culminating in a lively exchange with the Digital for Energy experts group invited by the European Commission. When the Think Tank presented its results to the members of the parallel int:net Summer School, even Rolf Riemenschneider from DG CONNECT joined the group discussion.

While good practices and technical measures were explored in depth, one insight stood out: the importance of human relations in enabling interoperability. Guided by the “pyramid of connections,” a concept developed within the int:net project, participants emphasised that interoperability is not only a technical issue — it is also about fostering collaboration across domains, institutions, and people.

We thank all participants for their valuable contributions and look forward to continuing this dialogue in our next Think Tank session!