Open Thor Community Event: Matchmaking for Innovation
Three concrete challenges. One community of potential solutions.
On 17 November 2026, Open Thor brings together companies, researchers, infrastructure partners and other stakeholders around three concrete challenges within the energy transition.
We are looking for organisations that can contribute technology, expertise, infrastructure, testing opportunities or collaboration opportunities to one or more of these challenges.
Event Details
📅 17 November 2026
📍 Thor Park, Genk
Community Event – Matchmaking for Innovation
13:00 – Reception
13:30 – 15:00 | Project pitches: 3 projects looking for partners
15:00 – 15:30 | Matchmaking sessions and project discussions
15:30 | Networking
Three Innovation Challenges
1. Electric trucks
How can we enable large-scale charging of electric trucks without overloading the electricity grid?
The electrification of heavy-duty transport is introducing a new generation of large electrical loads. Trucks require significantly more charging capacity than passenger cars, while their charging profiles are strongly determined by logistical and operational requirements.
At the same time, large vehicle fleets offer opportunities for flexibility and grid support.
We are looking for partners in: high-power charging, smart charging control, battery technology, grid integration and electric trucks.
2. Data centres
How can data centres become more energy-efficient while being better integrated into the electricity grid?
The growth of cloud computing, AI and digital services is driving a strong increase in electricity consumption by data centres. At the same time, new electrical architectures are changing how energy is distributed and converted within data centres.
DC-based architectures and new power electronics solutions can reduce conversion losses and create new opportunities for interaction between data centres and the electricity grid.
We are looking for partners in: data centres, DC technology, power electronics, energy infrastructure, IT and research.
3. Low-temperature thermal networks
How can smart low-temperature networks make heating and cooling more sustainable while creating flexibility?
The energy transition is not only about electricity. Decarbonising heating and cooling is equally important. Thermal energy networks can exchange heat and cold between buildings and combine different energy sources, heat pumps, storage and smart control.
With CollecThor, Open Thor offers a realistic environment in which such solutions can be developed, tested and validated.
We are looking for partners in: thermal networks, heat pumps, geothermal energy, thermal storage, smart control and demonstration.
Who can participate?
The event is aimed at organisations that are active in or contribute to the energy transition, including:
- companies and technology providers
- research organisations
- energy and grid partners
- infrastructure partners
- data centre and mobility companies
- technology developers
- public stakeholders
Join the Community Event
Would you like to participate?
As part of your registration, briefly indicate:
- Which innovation opportunity interests you most
- What expertise, infrastructure, pilot environment, technology or collaboration you can contribute