Abstract:  Electrical distribution systems are suffering these days a change of paradigm, to accomodate new technologies like distributed generation or electric vehicles. We started introducing the term microgrid 20 years ago and this was the starting point for a major change. In the new distribution systems, all agents can take active roles in the network, and it is possible the interactions between different levels of the whole power system by means of the so-called Aggregators.  In order to implement these solutions that allow high levels of penetration of flexible technologies as electric vehicles, energy storage, heat pumps, … the grid should be ready to be monitor and operated in real time and incorporate transactive energy tools enabling the active participation of all agents or devices. The role of the aggregator will be in charge of this coordination between agents allowing the coordination between different power system agents and levels (transmission, distribution, market …).  In this speech, will review the current situation of the network, describing the difficulties and barriers that exist for the implementation of this disruptive concept and motivating its necessity. We will look in depth at existing catalysts that will make the development of this paradigm critical in the short term and the enabling technologies that will make it viable.

Bio: Alberto Méndez Rebollo is an executive, investor and entrepreneur who has dedicated his entire career to “the energy transition”. Alberto has held executive and board positions at leading corporations, startups and international organizations such as Siemens-Gamesa, Vattenfall, XCharge and Procurement Leaders where he has built and run multibillion ventures and operations in areas like wind and solar power, electricity grids and e-mobility. Alberto is co-founder and chairman of Plexigrid, a revolutionary startup developing the Operating System for tomorrow’s electricity grids.