Bringing together energy stakeholders to discuss how demand response can support a more flexible energy system and what is needed to unlock its full potential.
How can demand response (DR) help make the energy system more flexible, and what needs to change to enable its wider adoption?
On 20 August 2026, the seminar “DR as a Big Opportunity for Finland” brought together energy stakeholders in Helsinki to discuss the opportunities and challenges of demand response in Finland. Organised by Voltalis and LähiEnergia on behalf of FlexFinland, the event gathered around 15 participants, including aggregators, technology providers, asset owners, a homeowners’ association, the Finnish Energy Authority and a journalist.
The ECLIPSE DIGITAL project and its Finnish pilot sites were at the heart of the discussions, which explored market mechanisms, consumer readiness, interoperability and the regulatory barriers that need to be addressed to unlock the potential of demand-side flexibility.
Exploring demand response in the Finnish energy market
The seminar took place at a time when the role of aggregators and their access to electricity markets are being discussed in Finland. Against this backdrop, participants examined how demand response can contribute to balancing the electricity system and integrating increasing shares of weather-dependent renewable energy.
The programme combined presentations and discussions covering the European demand response landscape, the growing need for flexibility, its benefits for the electricity system and the role of consumers.
Eleonore Glendinning from Voltalis presented ECLIPSE DIGITAL Project, introducing the project and its contribution to the development of digital energy services and consumer flexibility. Other presentations addressed the societal perspective of demand response, electric vehicle charging, the benefits of flexibility for the energy system and consumers’ views on participating in demand response schemes.
Unlocking the potential of demand-side flexibility
One of the key messages emerging from the discussions was that the technical capabilities and flexibility resources already exist, but their potential remains to be fully harnessed.
Participants highlighted several conclusions:
- The technology is available: Demand response aggregators can connect to a wide range of appliances and energy systems.
- Flexibility potential is waiting to be unlocked: Existing capacities could contribute more to the electricity system if the right conditions are in place.
- Consumers are ready to participate: However, clear communication and understandable messages are essential to encourage their involvement.
- Regulatory barriers remain a key challenge: The main obstacles identified were related to market rules and regulation rather than technical limitations.
These insights highlighted the importance of creating an environment in which flexibility providers can participate effectively in energy markets and consumers can understand the value of adapting their electricity consumption.
Putting consumers and interoperability at the centre
Beyond market access, the seminar also addressed the importance of consumer attitudes, data exchange and interoperability in enabling demand response.
Discussions explored how different stakeholders can work together to facilitate flexibility services and how consumers can be encouraged to take an active role in the energy system.
These topics are closely connected to the objectives of ECLIPSE DIGITAL, which is developing the Common European Reference Framework (CERF) to support interoperable digital energy applications and facilitate consumer participation in flexibility services.
The Finnish experience provides valuable insights into the practical conditions needed to connect digital solutions, market mechanisms and consumer engagement.
Strengthening the dialogue on flexibility in Finland
The seminar provided an opportunity for stakeholders from across the Finnish energy ecosystem to exchange perspectives on the opportunities and challenges of demand response.
By bringing together market participants, technology providers, consumer representatives and public authorities, the event helped identify the regulatory and communication challenges that need to be addressed to make better use of existing flexibility resources.
Through its Finnish pilot activities and stakeholder engagement, ECLIPSE DIGITAL is contributing to the wider discussion on how digital energy services can support a more flexible, interoperable and consumer-oriented European energy system.
Oficial agenda: Eclipse-Agenda-Aug26-Helsinki.pdf (7 downloads )