Innovation mission United States: system integration for energy networks

Energy grids in the Netherlands and the United States face a twofold challenge: the number of renewable energy sources is growing rapidly. At the same time, the electricity grid is becoming overloaded due to the growth in electric transport and electric heating. Digital tools, such as AI, can ensure a reliable energy grid, better coordination of energy sources and better utilisation of existing networks. Cybersecurity, robust IT systems and effective communication also play a key role in this.

The Netherlands wishes to explore practical examples to strengthen the resilience and efficiency of energy grids. That is why we are organising this fact-finding innovation mission, aimed at exploring and learning from best practices in the field of system integration for smart energy networks. We will visit organisations and speak with experts on topics including the following:

• Resilience of energy grids (security of supply, transmission reliability, cybersecurity)
• Grid forecasting
• System integration of energy storage
• Microgrids

For whom?

The innovation mission is aimed at the following target groups active in the energy sector and grid management (both as customers and providers of digital solutions):

• start-ups/scale-ups
• innovation managers
• researchers
• business development managers 

Why the United States?

The energy grids and systems in the United States face challenges such as grid congestion, energy storage and the integration of renewable energy into the electricity grid. The United States is at the forefront of smart solutions to these problems. These include grid management tools, digital twins and peak load forecasting using AI. They are deploying this technology through targeted government initiatives, research institutions and the relevant industries.

The Pacific Northwest region (the states of Oregon and Washington) is particularly strong in this regard thanks to collaborations with universities, active government involvement, leading startups and multiple pilot projects at energy companies. In addition, this region boasts a wide variety of energy sources. This makes the Pacific Northwest an interesting region from which to learn about smart and effective energy integration.

Mission objectives

The mission has the following objectives:

• To explore and assess applications of grid management, digital twins and AI-driven forecasting in the energy sector in the Pacific Northwest;
• To gain insight into the application of digital solutions in energy grids and systems, with a focus on grid resilience, grid forecasting, the integration of energy storage and microgrids;
• To share challenges and opportunities, in order to explore together how solutions from the United States could be applied in the Netherlands;
• To contribute to the development of knowledge and applications relating to AI and data science in the energy sector;
• To generate new ideas for innovative methods, services and products for a resilient electricity grid;
• To identify opportunities for scaling up successful solutions at a later stage.

Concept programme

The programme is currently being developed. We are doing our best to take participants’ wishes into account when finalising the programme.

Key elements of the 5-day programme include:

• A visit to the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory to explore advanced AI applications for grid management;
• Visits to universities to learn about the latest technologies in smart grids and energy storage;
• Meetings with startups and energy companies offering solutions for grid forecasting and the integration of renewable energy;
• Discussions with industry organisations on the opportunities and challenges surrounding the modernisation of the electricity grid in the western US;
• Collaboration with the Pacific Northwest Smart Energy Strategy Development Consortium;
• Briefings from local policymakers on the energy situation and system integration;
• Opportunities to present your organisation to regional stakeholders;
• Networking events with experts in the field of (smart) grids and digital tools.

Costs

The cost of participating in the innovation mission is €350 excl. VAT per person. This includes:
 
• Participation in the collective programme;
• Transfers to and from programme components;
• Lunch and dinners, if mentioned in the programme.
 
Participation does not include:
 
• Travel and accommodation costs (intercontinental and domestic flights and hotels);
• All individual costs, such as lunches and dinners outside the programme.

Registration

Would you like to participate in this innovation mission? Then please complete the online registration form by 19 June 2026.

Please note: registration does not automatically guarantee participation. Final participation depends on the number of places available and the extent to which your organisation aligns with the mission's objectives.

Want to know more?

Do you have any questions about this innovation mission? If so, please contact:

• Bob Hengeveld (Innovation Missions Advisor) via bob.hengeveld@rvo.nl or +31 (0) 6 2943 3216
• Marcella Kneppers (Senior Advisor, Innovation, Science and Technology) via marcella.kneppers@minbuza.nl or +1 202 725 0679