The urgency for faster, smarter grids

Europe’s energy transition is putting unprecedented pressure on power networks. Gridspertise CEO Hakan Ozmen explains how digitalisation, automation, and advanced technologies are helping utilities build faster, safer, and more resilient grids to meet 2030 targets.

In this interview, Ozmen shares strategic insights on building a safer, faster and greener power system capable of supporting the rapid rise of renewables and the increasing operational complexity faced by utilities. 

While he notes that Europe's energy infrastructure is relatively modern, he points out that the ongoing transition to renewables is putting huge stress on the infrastructure.

“To go from traditional generation to renewable is going to also arrange needs that are beyond what has been done so far, because energy is now traded daily, hourly, and therefore it puts a lot of stress onto the network," he said. 

Digitalisation and modernisation are essential to manage these fast-paced requirements. According to Ozmen, this requires cyber-secure, remotely operated networks designed to respond in near real time, enhancing efficiency and reinforcing system resilience.

Key highlights:

• The growing operational pressure from renewable integration and the need for smarter, remotely operable networks
• Why cybersecurity is now a core requirement of grid modernisation
• How Gridspertise QEd – Quantum Edge® Device restores service in under two seconds, strengthening resilience, improving service and mitigating outages' impact
• What Europe must accelerate to reach its 2030 digitalisation targets, from AI to advanced suppliers and enhanced system resilience

Looking ahead, Ozmen stresses the urgency of meeting Europe’s green energy and digitalisation targets: “2030 is almost tomorrow…AI is going to accelerate the time, also to give us the chance to reach some of the targets.”

More interesting insights: Speed and scale must underpin energy strategy says Gridspertise boss

**This interview was filmed in November 2025 at Enlit Europe in Bilbao, Spain.