Sep 15, 2025
Builtrix is one of the Portuguese partners in this EU-funded initiative in Portugal and is leading the implementation of a pilot project at Palácio do Gelo Shopping in Viseu by demonstrating how buildings can provide flexibility services and unlock new value in local energy markets
Builtrix is a Portuguese partner in the international Weforming project, a Horizon Europe-funded initiative that aims to transform buildings from passive energy consumers into Intelligent Grid-Forming Buildings (iGFBs). The project develops the tools, frameworks, and business models needed to integrate buildings into energy networks and markets as active participants.
WeForming brings together 17 partners from 9 countries to co-create solutions that make buildings interoperable, resilient, and capable of contributing to the wider energy ecosystem. The project focuses on digital intelligence, interoperability standards, and regulatory frameworks to accelerate Europe’s energy transition.
The Portuguese pilot is being implemented at Palácio do Gelo Shopping center in Viseu, one of the largest commercial complexes in the country. With a built area of 175,000 m² and a total power demand of 5.5 MW, it integrates diverse energy systems including a CHP plant, gas generation units, ice storage, and advanced water treatment technologies. The shopping center also operates with smart meters and EMS submetering tools, making it an ideal demonstration site for WeForming.
By participating in the project, Palácio do Gelo will showcase how a complex multi-energy facility can enhance efficiency, interoperability, and flexibility. Turning the site into an active utility node will enable the creation of new revenue streams, while AI-based analytics will optimize its energy systems and provide a model for similar large-scale facilities across Europe.
Javad Hatami, Co-Founder and CEO of Builtrix, says: “This pilot in Viseu demonstrates how a complex commercial building can move beyond traditional energy management and become an active participant in the local energy ecosystem. By combining AI-driven forecasting with interoperability frameworks, we aim to prove that buildings like Palácio do Gelo can operate as flexibility service providers. This is not just about efficiency – it’s about positioning buildings as intelligent players in tomorrow’s energy markets. our work on leading R&D programs in Europe aims to directly influence the evolution of our products. Each project strengthens our ability to provide a reliable, data-driven platform for real-time energy visibility, optimization, and ESG compliance”.