The success of the energy transition in Europe depends on citizen engagement and the sustainable shift from conventional to renewable energy generation. This document highlights key aspects of the PAN European Technology Energy Research Approach (PANTERA) project. Broadly, PANTERA provides a platform for stakeholders in smart grids to support the expansion of research, demonstration, and innovation activities, particularly in EU member states with below-average expenditure in this field.

The focus of this document is on project activities related to identifying gaps and barriers in regulations, standards, and grid codes that hinder citizens’ sustainable energy engagement in the energy transition. The document summarizes challenges to citizen engagement in energy transition and considers enabling factors such as demand response and local energy markets. It analyzes obstacles to these enabling factors explicitly and implicitly linked to regulations, standards, and grid codes, exploring aspects of member states’ regulations and standards with below-average research and development spending in smart grids.

Additionally, a specific case study from Ireland is presented, detailing grid code updates as an example of how member states are attempting to remove barriers and facilitate citizen participation in the energy transition. Finally, the document highlights opportunities to promote research and innovation in smart grids through sharing knowledge and insights offered by the PANTERA European Interconnection for Research Innovation and Entrepreneurship (EIRIE) platform.