Abstract
This chapter explores the potential of thermal energy storage (TES) systems towards the decarbonization of industry and energy networks, considering its coordinated management with electrochemical energy storage and renewable energy sources (RES). It covers various TES technologies, including sensible heat storage (SHS), latent heat storage (LHS), and thermochemical energy storage (TCS), each offering unique benefits and facing specific challenges. The integration of TES into industrial parks is highlighted, showing how these systems can optimize energy manage-ment and reduce reliance on external sources. A district heating use case also demonstrates the economic and environmental advantages of a multi-energy management strategy over single-energy approaches. Overall, TES technologies are presented as a promising pathway to greater energy effi-ciency and sustainability in industrial processes.

Abstract
Flexibility markets are emerging across Europe to improve the efficiency and reliability of distribution networks. This paper presents a methodology that integrates local flexibility markets into network maintenance scheduling, optimizing the process by contracting flexibility to avoid technical issues under the topology defined to operate the network during maintenance. A meta-heuristic approach, Evolutionary Particle Swarm Optimization (EPSO), is used to determine the optimal network topology.

Abstract
Local flexibility markets are a promising solution to aid system operators in managing the network as it faces the growth of distributed resources and the resulting impacts on voltage control, among other factors. This paper presents and simulates a proposal for an intra-day local flexibility market based on grid segmentation. The design provides a market-based solution for distribution system operators (DSOs) to address near-real-time grid issues. The grid segmentation computes the virtual buses that represent each zone and the sensitivity indices that approximate the impact of activating active power flexibility in the buses within the zone. This approach allows DSOs to manage and publish their flexibility needs per zone and enables aggregators to offer flexibility by optimizing their resource portfolios per zone. The simulation outcomes allow for the assessment of market performance according to the number of zones computed and show that addressing overloading and voltage control through zonal approaches can be cost-effective and counterbalance minor errors compared to node-based approaches.

Abstract
Increased electrification of various critical infrastructures has been recognized as a key to achieving decarbonization targets worldwide. This creates a need to better understand the risks associated with future power systems and how such risks can be defined, assessed, and mitigated. This paper surveys prior work on power system risk assessment and management and explores the various approaches to risk definition, assessment, and mitigation. As a result, the paper proposes how future grid developments should be assessed in terms of risk causes, what methodology may be used to reduce the risk impacts, and how such approaches can increase grid resilience. While we attempt to generalize and classify various approaches to solving the problem of risk assessment and mitigation, we also provide examples of how specific approaches undertaken by the authors in the past may be expanded in the future to address the design and operation of the future electricity system to manage the risk more effectively. The importance of the metrics for risk assessment and methodology for quantification of risk reduction are illustrated through the examples. The paper ends with recommendations on addressing the risk and resilience of the electricity system in the future resilient implementation while achieving decarbonization goals through massive electrification.

Abstract
This paper presents an adaptive protection strategy for multi-microgrid (MMG) systems with inverter-based resources (IBRs) in medium voltage (MV) networks, using the IEEE 33-bus test system. The approach combines overcurrent (OC) and undervoltage (UV) protections through an offline-optimized, clustering-based scheme and real-time selection of setting groups. A metaheuristic algorithm determines optimal relay settings for representative scenarios, ensuring responsive and coordinated protection. Hardware-in-the-loop validation on OPAL-RT confirms the method's effectiveness across varying loads, DER outputs, and fault conditions. Results demonstrate reliable fault isolation, smooth mode transitions, and uninterrupted supply to healthy segments. Identified limitations in high-impedance fault handling suggest future improvements.