In
September 2025, the partners of the Green Energy Management Systems (GEMS) project
gathered in Rennes, France, for the second partner meeting. Hosted by BDI and
Europe Technologies, with support from Oost NL and Bax, the two-day event
brought together all six pilot regions to share progress, exchange experiences,
and look ahead to the next phase of developing smart and sustainable energy
systems across Europe.
Visiting the French pilot
The French pilot in GEMS focusses on enhancing the sustainability of mussel
farming, one of the most significant industries in the Brittany region. The
pilot involves integrating renewable energy directly into the aquaculture
process by using hydrogen to power the amphibious boats that collect mussels
and oysters. This hydrogen will be produced using electricity from solar panels
installed on-site, with an advanced Energy Management System (EMS) connecting
the solar array, the hydrogen production, and the main electrical grid.
A unique strength of this pilot is its holistic approach, engaging the entire
value chain of mussel farming; all stakeholders are actively on board and aware
of the GEMS project. Furthermore, this initiative is highly significant for the
region, which has an ambitious hydrogen roadmap. The Brittany region views this
GEMS pilot as a critical test case, and its success is expected to pave the way
for a wider rollout of this green energy model to other mussel farms and
locations throughout the area.
Strong progress across all regions
Nine months after
the project’s launch, the consortium can proudly report that GEMS is well on
track. Each region now has a dedicated project manager and a team of legal,
financial, and technical experts. Several pilots have already selected or are
about to select their Energy Management System (EMS) providers, marking an
important step toward implementation.
Across the regions, the pilots illustrate the diversity and adaptability of the
GEMS concept. In the Netherlands, the Laarberg business park is preparing a
direct energy connection between solar carports and nearby companies,
generating up to 7.2 megawatt-peak of solar power. Nearby, the Twentekanaal
industrial area is introducing smart meters and real-time data monitoring to
address grid congestion and encourage cooperation among local businesses. In
Brittany, the ESTEBAM 2 project is developing a full hydrogen ecosystem to
power amphibious vessels, paving the way for zero-emission maritime operations.
In Germany, the FiDT site is transforming a former military area into a testbed
for innovative SME-driven energy solutions, while in Ireland, Medtronic is
implementing advanced energy analytics and efficiency measures to transition
toward 100% renewable energy.
Together, these pilots demonstrate how regional cooperation and innovation can
accelerate the European energy transition.
Knowledge sharing and collaboration at the heart
Beyond the technical updates, the meeting in Rennes highlighted the
importance of collaboration and knowledge exchange. Partners discussed the
challenges of managing complex, multi-stakeholder projects and the need to
balance ambition with available time and resources. Although interest among
local businesses is strong, electricity pricing often remains a decisive factor
in participation. Partners also noted that while European and national
regulations increasingly support energy sharing, regional frameworks still lag
behind, creating both challenges and opportunities for innovation.
The mix of content-rich discussions, inspiring project showcases, and informal
exchanges made the Rennes meeting a productive and motivating milestone for the
consortium.
Looking ahead: the next step in Galway
The next GEMS partner meeting will take place in April 2026 in Galway,
Ireland. The focus will be on developing common technical, financial, and
contractual models, as well as exploring a shared approach to tracking pilot
progress. Oost NL and Bax are also exploring the possibility of hosting a
European policy event to share the lessons learned from the GEMS pilots with a
broader audience of policymakers, experts, and industry partners.
“The GEMS pilots show that the energy transition is not only a technological
challenge but also a human one. By working together across regions, companies,
and research institutions, we are building a smarter and greener Europe — step
by step.”
— GEMS Project Team
About GEMS
GEMS (Green Energy Management Systems) is an Interreg North-West Europe project supporting six regional pilots in developing smart energy systems for business parks and local industries. The project focuses on integrating technology, policy, and collaboration to accelerate Europe’s transition to a sustainable energy future