PowerMatching City

The world first real‑life smart grid implementation

Showing the world what a smart grid should be

In 2007, the energy transition was still in its infancy. Gasunie explored micro-CHP to increase the value of natural gas, but the larger systemic question remained unanswered: how could decentralized generation, smart devices, and market mechanisms work together in one coherent energy system? The concept of a “smart grid” barely existed, and the idea of households dynamically aligning their consumption and production with weather or prices seemed like science fiction. PowerMatching City brought this vision to life, pioneering one of the world’s first real smart grid demonstrations.

Real-time market logic inside everyday homes

As initiator and overall lead, I redefined the challenge from both a system and consumer perspective and built a narrative that resonated technically and socially. I brought together seven market players — from grid operators to technology companies — into a single innovative partnership and secured full cross-sector funding. Under my leadership, the project team grew to around 120 experts, with clear structure and direction from proof-of-concept to large-scale demonstration. I guided the translation of vision into reality, ensuring impact, visibility, and international recognition.

The world’s first real smart grid in action

PowerMatching City was the world’s first smart grid in which production, demand, storage, and market logic worked together in real time within a residential community. The project demonstrated that flexible, decentralized energy integration was not only technically feasible but also organizationally achievable. It gained international recognition as part of the UN Sustania Top 100, showcasing its global relevance as a model for sustainable innovation. Beyond its pioneering role, PowerMatching City served as a catalyst for policy and market development around flexibility, demand response, and prosumer integration. ↗

From vision to reality: leading the world’s first smart grid

As initiator and overall lead, I redefined the challenge from both a system and consumer perspective and built a narrative that resonated technically and socially. I brought together seven market players — from grid operators to technology companies — into a single innovative partnership and secured full cross-sector funding. Under my leadership, the project team grew to around 120 experts, with clear structure and direction from proof-of-concept to large-scale demonstration. I guided the translation of vision into reality, ensuring impact, visibility, and international recognition.

Recognition

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