Proceedings of GSM 2024. 7th Grid Service Market Symposium, 1 - 2 July, Lucerne, Switzerland

Between 2000 and 2021, total electricity generation in Europe increased by 13%. In the same period, the share from hydropower, tidal, biofuels, wind, solar and geothermal sources have risen from 19% to 39%, reflecting the massive transformation that the electricity industry has undergone in recent years. The political will to continue the transition is evident, as competitive energy prices, reducing dependencies on third parties - especially Russian fossil gas supplies - and decarbonizing the energy system are among the top priorities of European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen for the years 2024 to 2029.1) 

However, the transition to decarbonized energy sources requires not only the large-scale deployment of renewable energy, but also the development of sophisticated techno-economic mechanisms to ensure energy security, economic efficiency, and environmental sustainability in the future. Grid services play a central role in this transition as they provide the necessary flexibility. As the share of intermittent renewable energy sources such as wind and solar increases, grid services enable electricity to be available at the right time, in the right place, and in the right amount, optimizing costs and reliability. They also open up new market opportunities and enable both established players and new entrants to contribute to a more resilient energy system.

The 7th Grid Service Market Symposium (GSM), which took place on July 1 and 2, 2024 in Lucerne, Switzerland, brought together 69 experts from 16 European countries to share knowledge and discuss the latest developments in this important field. Participants included professionals from academia, industry, associations, and policy organizations, all addressing the challenges and opportunities of the ongoing energy transition. The event offered a rich program with a wide range of topics including advanced technologies for grid flexibility, market developments, regulations, operational challenges, international collaborations, and case studies showcasing successful implementations. Keynote speakers provided insights into the future of grid services and addressed critical topics such as the looming flexibility gap and the importance of a robust transmission infrastructure. In addition to the presentations, the symposium facilitated in-depth discussions on market harmonization in Europe and international projects. The GSM continues to serve as an important platform for thought leaders, researchers, and industry experts to shape the future of grid services. The knowledge shared at this event will play a crucial role in the development of sustainable, reliable, and economically viable electricity systems in the years to come.

We are very grateful to all participants, speakers, and organizers for their contribution to the success of the symposium. Their commitment to innovation and collaboration is instrumental to the progress needed to meet the energy challenges of tomorrow.
 
We hope you enjoy the proceedings of GSM 2024, and we look to welcoming you to future events.