Berlin, March 5, 2026 – With the kick-off forum of the BMWK research project DataFleX, the digital integration of decentralized energy flexibilities is becoming a reality. Together with TransnetBW, 51nodes is developing solutions to activate energy flexibility for enhanced grid stability.
SSI as a key technology for Secure Data Networking
Secure networking of millions of decentralized assets—electric vehicles, heat pumps, home storage systems—requires trustworthy digital identities. Self-Sovereign Identity (SSI) enables exactly that: decentralized, privacy-compliant identification without centralized data storage.
This creates the foundation for cross-sector data exchange between previously isolated ecosystems such as energy data-X and Catena-X. Only through this connectivity can decentralized flexibility potential be systematically unlocked and leveraged for grid stability.
Practical trial with over one megawatt of flexibility
51nodes is working with TransnetBW to develop market mechanisms and technical solutions for activating decentralized energy flexibilities. In model regions, they are testing how more than one megawatt of capacity from distributed assets can be deployed specifically for redispatch measures.
Goal: a stable, affordable, and climate-friendly energy system
DataFleX addresses three key challenges:
- Data exchange: Digital linking of existing data ecosystems to enable coordinated flexibility retrieval across sector boundaries.
- Market mechanisms: Development of economic incentive models for providing decentralized flexibility.
- Practical testing: Demonstrating the solutions under real-world conditions in the control areas of TransnetBW and TenneT Germany.
The benefits are manifold: improved grid stability through the integration of decentralized assets, reduced redispatch costs, more efficient grid expansion, and optimal use of renewable energy. In the long term, this leads to lower grid charges and strengthens the competitiveness of the industrial location.
About the project
The 18 month research project is funded by the BMWK with more than seven million euros. The consortium, led by TenneT Germany, comprises eight partners from the energy sector, IT, and research.
Further information:
TenneT – DataFleX startet digitale Sektorenkopllung für ein stabiles und bezahlbares Energiesystem
TransnetBW – Forschungsprojekt DataFleX startet
Blogbeitrag – Das Potenzial von Selbstsouveränen Identitäten am Beispiel der Energiewirtschaft
News – 51nodes erkundet mit TransnetBW das Potenzial von Selbstsouveränen Identitäten in der Netzwirtschaft
Bundesministerium für Wirtschaft und Energie – Das Projekt “DataFleX”