SMART INNOVATION NORWAY AS

Their core work

Smart Innovation Norway is a Norwegian research centre specializing in smart energy systems, grid flexibility, and consumer engagement in the energy transition. They develop tools and platforms for managing distributed energy resources — from battery storage and EV integration to demand response and energy communities. Their work bridges the gap between grid operators, building managers, and end users, turning complex energy data into actionable management systems. They also bring energy expertise into rural and digital ecosystem contexts, connecting smart grid technology with broader community development.

What they specialise in

How they've shifted over time

In their early H2020 period (2015–2018), Smart Innovation Norway focused on foundational smart grid infrastructure — prosumer electricity markets (EMPOWER), renewable energy storage with EVs and batteries (INVADE), and low-voltage distribution grid management (RESOLVD). From 2019 onward, their work shifted decisively toward data-driven energy services, consumer engagement, and market design — flexibility marketplaces (FLEXGRID), AI-powered grid analytics (SYNERGY), behavioural demand response (ENCHANT, ACCEPT), and building performance benchmarking (EN-TRACK, PROBONO). The trajectory shows a clear move from hardware-adjacent grid integration toward software platforms, data analytics, and human-centred energy services.

They are moving toward platform-based energy services combining AI, behavioural insights, and building data — ideal for partners seeking user-facing smart energy solutions rather than pure infrastructure R&D.

How they like to work

Primarily a consortium partner (15 of 17 projects), but capable of leading when the topic aligns with their core — they coordinated INVADE (storage systems) and SENDER (consumer engagement). With 314 unique partners across 36 countries, they operate as a well-connected hub rather than a closed-circle player. Their consistent participation in large Innovation Action consortia (11 IA projects) signals they are valued for applied, deployment-oriented contributions rather than purely academic research.

Extensive European network with 314 unique consortium partners spanning 36 countries, indicating broad reach and strong reputation as a reliable project partner. Their geographic connections extend beyond Europe through projects like SESA (Africa) and IELECTRIX (India), giving them unusual global exposure for a Norwegian research centre.

What sets them apart

Smart Innovation Norway sits at a distinctive intersection: they combine deep smart grid and storage expertise with strong capabilities in consumer engagement and behavioural energy services — a combination few research centres offer. Based in Halden, they bring a Nordic perspective on energy communities and prosumer models that is highly relevant across Europe. Their heavy focus on Innovation Actions (rather than pure research) means they deliver deployment-ready solutions, making them a practical partner for demonstration and pilot projects.

Highlights from their portfolio

• INVADE
  Their largest project (EUR 2.08M) and one of two they coordinated — a flagship effort integrating EV batteries with renewable energy storage for prosumer smart grids.
• SENDER
  Their second coordination role, focused on sustainable consumer engagement and demand response — marking their strategic shift toward user-centric energy services.
• SYNERGY
  Represents their push into AI, blockchain, and multi-party computation for energy data — signalling a digital transformation within their energy portfolio.