Michael Villa

Job Title
Executive Director
Company
smartEn
Country
Belgium

Michael Villa is Executive Director of smartEn - Smart Energy Europe, the European business association integrating the decentralized solutions of the clean energy transition. He joined smartEn in 2018 when he led the advocacy efforts as Head of Policy. Before joining smartEn, he worked as Senior Consultant to provide specific advocacy support to clients both in the EU and Middle East in the energy sector. Among others, he led the Secretariat of a cross-sectorial business organisation, the European Alliance to Save Energy (EU-ASE), and supported Knauf Insulation as Public Affairs Adviser in Italy. Michael worked also in the European Parliament for a Cypriot MEP and at the Embassy of Italy in Copenhagen during the UN Climate Change Conference COP15. Michael has a Master at the Institute for European Studies in Brussels and a bachelor degree from the Catholic University of Milan.

May 06, 2025Panel Discussion

May 06, 2025Welcome and Introduction

Sessions
Session
Smart Electrification of Demand

Tuesday, May 06, 2025, 02:30 pm - 04:00 pm

ICM München Room 13 A

While variable renewable electricity generation is increasing, its cost-effective integration in the energy system remains a challenge. The electrification of consumption, from households to industries, has stagnated at around 23% across Europe. The electrification of demand could place unnecessary strain on the system if it is not made more flexible. To support an increasingly intermittent energy system, peaks in electricity consumption must be avoided and electrified consumers rewarded for shifting demand to another time of the day. The session will present solid business models to support the flexible consumption of renewable electricity in homes, buildings and industries.

Session
The smarter E Europe Conference Opening - Flexibility Drives Change

Tuesday, May 06, 2025, 09:30 am - 11:00 am

ICM München Room 1

A fully renewable energy system requires more than just expanding generation capacity - it demands intelligence, flexibility and seamless integration across the electricity, heat, and mobility sectors. The Conference Opening sets the stage for a high-level dialogue on how digitalization, storage solutions and sector coupling can ensure a reliable 24/7 renewable energy supply. Experts will discuss regulatory advancements, innovative business models and cross-industry as well as cross-sector synergies that pave the way forward. What has already been achieved - and what critical steps must follow to turn ambitious goals into reality?

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