The initiative is run by CINEA and is part of the European Commission’s efforts to bring together Horizon projects focused on smart energy systems to exchange best practices, foster discussion, and identify solutions to common challenges and barriers. SENERGY NETS could use the forum to present its results, engage with key partners, and debate the future of multi-energy systems.
Between 23 and 24 March, Brussels hosted the 2026 BRIDGE Initiative General Assembly. The event is the highlight of the grouping, uniting more than 100 Horizon Europe projects. Divided into four working groups—data management, business models, regulations, and consumer and citizen engagement—the initiative is a key actor in promoting the exchange of knowledge, practices, and solutions for the common problems that the projects are tackling. This year’s event had more than 30 projects attending.
The SENERGY NETS project was represented by Edoardo Corsetti (RSE) and Evan Bernardi (Euroheat & Power). Edoardo participated in the panel “Key Pillars to Reinforce Europe’s Energy Grids,” where he presented the work done within SENERGY NETS, the lessons learned, and how the project acts to support the integration of different energy systems, further strengthening and optimising the energy grids within the Union. The integration of different energy vectors is a key mechanism at Europe’s disposal to fight energy price shocks and ensure circularity and decarbonisation of its energy system. Another key element highlighted during the panel is the realisation that the current energy systems no longer reflect the geopolitical and environmental reality of the world. According to Edoardo, “The most efficient energy fuel planned decades ago is no longer the one; this direction is no longer feasible,” hinting that fossil fuels can no longer serve as the backbone of the European energy system, and new, modern, and decarbonised solutions are needed urgently.
Regarding the challenges encountered by the project hindering the faster uptake of multi-energy systems and heating and cooling (H&C) networks, Edoardo mentioned two main ones. The first is the cross-sectoral approach in regulation, meaning that policy silos are not the way forward, and legal frameworks that better grasp the level of interconnectedness of energy systems should be incentivised. The second is the lack of push for more centralised H&C networks. In many countries, there is a lack of incentives for their uptake, mostly due to the high costs of developing such networks, but also the lack of political interest. He reinforced, however, that their added value is too significant to be ignored, and that H&C networks are not only flexible providers of thermal power but also support the whole energy grid by storing energy and dispatching it when needed.
Beyond the panels, the project representatives could also participate in a “speed dating” activity, where some projects presented best practices and key lessons that could be replicated. The participants were divided into groups and rotated between the projects, allowing for a more informal, one-on-one exchange of ideas. On the second day of the event, the participants could further engage in networking activities by participating in breakout rooms dedicated to each working group of the BRIDGE Initiative.
The event concluded on a high note. The European Union remains highly committed to supporting projects investigating the decarbonisation of the energy sector. In fact, projects dedicated to grids, storage, and energy systems represent the largest share of the Horizon Europe funds, accounting for more than €2 billion invested in 304 projects. Further support from the European Investment Bank (EIB) hopes to attract more private capital by de-risking investment. On the policy side, the Commission has been working on a series of new documents aimed at updating the legislation and bringing more clarity for the many stakeholders involved. The revised Trans-European Networks for Energy (TEN-E), the Heating and Cooling Strategy, and the Electrification Strategy are just a few examples of new documents expected for this year, which will give further traction to the bloc’s decarbonisation efforts.
