Matching Symposium 4TU-DSO (Registration is closed)

Tuesday 2 June 2026

The first edition of the Matching Symposium organized by 4TU.Energy and Distribution System Operators in NL.
During this interactive event, participants will explore shared challenges, exchange insights, and identify opportunities for collaboration across research and practice, focusing on the topics of "Grid Congestion & Infrastructure"; "Flexibility in the Energy System" and "Energy Hubs".
The symposium aims to strengthen connections, stimulate new partnerships, and support matchmaking around ongoing and future DSO-related initiatives.

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Event Background

The Dutch energy system faces increasing pressure from grid congestion, electrification, and decentralised energy production. Collaboration between 4TU universities and Dutch Distribution System Operators (DSOs) is growing, but lacks a structured platform. This symposium creates space for knowledge exchange, matchmaking, and long-term collaboration.

Event Goal

Strengthen collaboration between academia and DSOs through challenge pitches, research exchange, and exploration of joint MSc projects, research initiatives, and funding opportunities.

Target Audience

Researchers and educators from 4TU universities, Dutch Distribution System Operators, and policy and innovation stakeholders.

Updated Program

Host of the day: Werner van Westering (Alliander)

9:45 Registration & Coffee

Check in at Liander Duiven reception, get the visitor/name badge, and be guided to the room

10:15 Opening Remarks | Room “Klein Atrium (A0.07)” | Christina Papadimitriou (TU/e)

10:30 Keynote | Room “Klein Atrium (A0.07)” | Pallas Agterberg - Challenge Officer (Alliander)

Title: New challenges in the distribution grids - new technologies and possibilities

11:00 Parallel Breakouts: Grid Congestion / Flexibility in the Energy System

Breakout session Grid | Room “Spanning (S0.06)” | Moderator: Elke Klaassen (Enexis)

Breakout session Flexibility| stay in Room “Klein Atrium (A0.07)” | Moderator: Tarek Alskaif (WUR)

12:30 Lunch & Poster Session | Hospitality area

13:30 Panel Discussion: Energy Hubs & Future Collaboration | Room “Klein Atrium (A0.07)” | Moderator: Gerwin Hoogsteen (UTwente), Werner van Westering (Alliander)

14:30 Wrapping up | Room “Klein Atrium (A0.07)” | David Smeulders - Scientific Director of 4TU.Energy, Professor of Energy Technology (TU/e)

15:00-16:00 Networking & Poster Walk | Hospitality area

Follow-up

Identification of priority themes for future editions, new MSc projects, research collaborations, and exploration of a DSO Ideation Hub.