Following the success of its first exchange in Paris, the EMERGE project convened its second AU–EU Exchange Event from 19 to 21 May 2025 in Zaragoza, Spain. Hosted by project partner CIRCE Institute, this hands-on three-day event brought together African and European experts in energy system modeling, grid optimization, and renewable integration—strengthening transcontinental cooperation for a greener energy future.

Deep Dive into Energy Planning Tools

The exchange focused on practical training sessions tailored to support partner countries in advancing their energy systems. Participants were introduced to key tools developed under the EMERGE toolbox:

• GridCal – an open-source Python library used for simulating power systems and conducting power flow analysis. GridCal enables modeling of components like transmission lines, transformers, and generators, and is foundational for several tools in the EMERGE suite.
• Hosting Capacity Tool – designed to calculate the maximum amount of power that a new generator can inject into the grid at specific substations. This tool helps assess renewable integration potential in national systems such as those of Morocco and Mozambique.
• Optimal Storage Placement Tool – supports decision-making on where to deploy battery systems in the network for optimal grid support. The tool simulates energy flows and identifies ideal locations for energy storage, guided by charging profiles and price signals.
• Smart Grid Concepts – an introductory session explored modern electrical infrastructure systems that incorporate communication technologies, enabling demand response, real-time monitoring, and integration of distributed energy sources.
• Energy Market Training – participants explored the fundamentals of European energy markets, gaining insights into how generation-level trading works, how prices are set, and what lessons can be transferred to local contexts.

From Models to Reality: Labs and Field Visits

To complement theoretical knowledge, participants visited CIRCE’s laboratories, including the Hardware-in-the-Loop Laboratory, Power Electronics Lab, and Artificial Vision facilities. These labs demonstrated how real-time simulation and control systems support renewable integration.

The program concluded with a field visit to a local electrical substation or power plant, offering a tangible view of energy infrastructure in action and encouraging dialogue with technical staff on operational challenges and innovations in renewable integration.

Who Participated?

The event welcomed professionals from key African partner institutions—AfriLabs, ECREEE – ECOWAS Centre for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency, Université Mohammed Premier (UMP) in Morocco, and Universidade Eduardo Mondlane in Mozambique—alongside European collaborators from CIRCE (Spain) and Artelys (France). Together, they formed a diverse and motivated group of experts driving forward the EMERGE vision.

Outcomes and Next Steps

The Zaragoza exchange significantly strengthened the technical capacity of participating institutions. It deepened AU–EU collaboration in energy innovation and provided partners with tangible skills to apply advanced modeling tools in their national contexts. The event also reinforced the importance of co-designed, replicable tools for hosting capacity analysis, battery siting, and grid planning—elements essential for a just and sustainable energy transition.