Demand Side Flexibility - the Role of Grid Infrastructure, Market Players and Digitalization in Meeting Consumer Expectations

As a senior associate in Berlin, Andreas Jahn focuses on issues relating to the German 'Energiewende', or energy transition, helping develop and advance regulatory options for a carbon-neutral power sector, including demand-side resources and tariff design. He also supports RAP's work throughout Europe. Jahn has extensive experience with power markets and regulation, as well as knowledge of the German national political arena. Prior to joining RAP, Jahn was responsible for all energy policy and regulatory matters as the director of regulatory affairs at lekker Energie, a German electricity and gas provider. Through his work as a senior expert for the Association of New Energy Suppliers, he gained valuable insight into political decision-making processes and legislative procedures. He was also a member of the Federal Ministry of Economics' task force on legislation to implement grid regulation in Germany. Andreas Jahn has extensive knowledge of the technical, environmental, and political aspects of energy markets through his degree in environmental science from Leeuwarden (Netherlands) and Bingen (Germany). In addition to his native German, Andreas speaks fluent English and advanced Spanish.

Sebastian Mahlow, Managing Director of ison GmbH with almost 20 years of experience in the energy transition. After building up the electricity and biogas portfolio at LichtBlick SE, he went on to connect over 1,000 mini-CHPs to create Germany's first virtual power plant at residential level. Most recently, he launched the energy-as-a-service business at LichtBlick and founded the company ison in 2022 to leverage flexibility potentials for prosumers.

Carmen Gimeno is the Secretary General of GEODE, the European association representing the interests of 1200 private and public energy companies for both electricity and gas in 14 European countries. She is also a Managing Partner at Verdia Legal in Barcelona, where she has been working since 1995. Her expertise in energy law is built upon over 20 years of experience in this field. Ms Gimeno holds a Law degree from the University of Barcelona (1992). In 1993, she became a Member of the Bar Association of Barcelona. In the same year, she earned a postgraduate degree in Business Management Techniques at the Business Studies School of the University of Barcelona. She also studied Political Science and Sociology at the Autonomous University of Barcelona (UAB) and completed a study period within an Erasmus Programme at Ruprecht-Karls Universität in Heidelberg, Germany, specialising in International and Community Law (1990-1991).

José Ferrari Careto spent most of his professional career in the Telecommunications sector, as a Board Member and Director of several companies. He first joined the EDP Group in 2003 as Board Member of companies in the gas sector, having left in 2006 to serve as a Member of the Board of Directors of the National Communications Regulatory Authority - ANACOM - for about 6 years. He returned to the EDP Group in 2012, as Member of the Board of Directors in several Business Units, Director of the Corporate Marketing and Customer Department and Director of the Digital Global Unit, where he led EDP Group's Digital and IT transformation program. He is currently CEO of the Portuguese Distribution System Operator, E-REDES, Chairman of EDP Redes España and Global Head of the Distribution Business of EDP Group.

Alex Schoch has over 15 years worth of experience in growing and scaling transformative sustainable businesses. Most notably having held various leadership roles at Tesla across both the automotive and energy businesses. From leading expansion of the European business in preparation for the introduction of the Model S across 10 markets, established the EMEA Energy business, and leading Global Business Operations of the Energy business. At Octopus Energy, he leads the Global Flexibility and Low Carbon Tech Programmes teams focused on developing and bringing to market the next generation products and underlying technologies spanning from utility scale generation and to consumer demand. As transport and heat continue to rapidly decarbonise, helping shape consumer electricity demand to match variable renewable electricity will be a critical factor in ensuring the success of the transition.

Dr Frank Schlichting is the CEO of Kiwigrid. He studied applied physics at TH-Darmstadt and the University of California at Berkeley. After graduating, he moved to TU-Berlin, where he earned a doctorate in engineering. Parallel to his studies, Frank worked as a software developer at DaimlerChrysler InterServices. After completing his career in science he was involved in the development of the Volkswagen Autostadt as Head of Technology Development and Knowledge Management. Following positions at Atmel Semiconductors and the high-tech start-up Nanotron Technologies, in 2014 Frank became CEO/CTO at Solare Datensysteme in the field of renewable energies, leading on management, product development and internationalization for 6 years. In 2020 he became the CEO of Kiwigrid.