The 2^nd Intelligent Utilization of Photovoltaic Technology Hub meeting took place online on the 14^th of February 2022. The meeting was a continuation of the previous meeting, which was held last year, with the aim to investigate the integration of photovoltaics (PV), energy storage systems (ESS), and demand side management (DSM), under the concept of a hybrid nanogrid system. The goal is to draft a position paper on the main conclusions by the end of the project.

During the Hub meeting various stakeholders participated actively in the discussions representing different sectors such as academia, industry and local authorities that have committed themselves to a fruitful collaboration for promoting the wider adoption of distributed energy resources in the Mediterranean region.

The audience had the chance to get informed about the BERLIN project and the recent developments on pilot activities in Cyprus, Greece, Italy, and Israel. In addition, Dr. Esmat Al Karadsheh, Coordinator of Eastern Mediterranean Office, ENI CBC Med Programme presented the ENI CBC MED Programme and the projects active in the same cluster as BERLIN.

The focus of the meeting though was on the three round table discussions regarding the role of PV+ESS+DSM towards full decarbonization of Mediterranean region, residents' awareness to energy efficiency and the funding opportunities for innovative projects related to PV+ESS+DSM in the MED region.

The main conclusions drawn were:

• There is need for new energy storage policy schemes, although battery storage investment is not very profitable at the time being
• Need for new net-billing schemes in Cyprus and Greece
• There is no DSM in Israel
• There are legislation hurdles on energy policy changes
• There is need for flexibility utilization, especially for fundamental regulatory changes
• Storage and electrification allow flexibility

Next year, the 3^rd Hub meeting will take place in order to analyze the results from the operation of the pilots and show their contribution to future energy policies and there will be an updated plan on the Hub’s future impact.