(Em)Powering the EU’s clean energy transition

The role of long duration energy storage and the need to advance gender equality in the energy sector is the focus of a workshop in Valencia on 13 May 2025.

The workshop, taking place during the Air4NRG projects 2nd General Assembly, features two complementary sessions – one highlighting the necessity of long duration storage for a sustainable energy system and emphasising the current gap in grid integration and the second focussing on how Horizon-funded projects can foster equal opportunities in education, leadership and energy citizenship.

“This will be a truly dynamic and interactive space where we will explore how to drive forward both technology and social impact in Europe’s energy system,” promises Edoardo Genova, European Communication Project Manager at Zabala Innovation and the organiser of the workshop.

The first session, to be moderated by Genova, brings together members of the LDES Cluster, which in addition to Air4NRG includes the SCO2OP-TES and SEHRENE projects as well as the STREAM project and company Artelys to review the current status and challenges and solutions for long duration storage.

The second session, to be moderated by Yamina Guidourn, Senior Project Manager: R&I and Social Acceptance at Lomartov, will provide insights on increasing women’s participation in science, technology, engineering and mathematics with the aim to identify actions to revert the current trend and move towards an energy sector that is truly representative of society.

Overall the event is designed to offer a unique space to reflect on innovation, inclusion and the collaborative future of Europe’s energy system. The insights gathered will feed into a position paper advocating for the integration of long duration storage into EU energy policies.

Inviting all interested persons to participate in the workshop, Genova adds: “I look forward to facilitating this important conversation and hearing diverse perspectives from across the sector.”