Episode 118: Digital Energy Explained with Osborne Clarke: Tokenization, Data & Regulation

In this episode host Alex Bausch (2Tokens) sits down with Michel Chatelin and Joanne Zaaijer from Osborne Clarke for an in-depth conversation on digital energy, tokenization, and data sharing in Europe’s evolving energy landscape.Recorded during the Digital Energy Masterclass at Osborne Clarke’s Amsterdam office, this episode explores what “digital energy” really means. Michel explains how traditionally physical energy systems such as electricity grids, pipelines, meters etc. are being transformed by adding a critical data layer. This combination of physical infrastructure and digital data enables smarter grids, new flexibility services, and innovative community-based energy models.Joanne brings the data and privacy perspective, drawing on her extensive experience as a privacy and data protection lawyer. She explains GDPR, consent, and data sharing, explaining why data doesn’t need to be feared, and how carefully designed legal frameworks can actually enable innovation rather than block it. Together, the speakers explain why “data is the new gold,” and how lessons from sectors like healthcare and finance can help the energy sector move faster and more confidently.A major focus of the episode is tokenization in the energy sector. Michel shares insights from the European regulatory sandbox and the Power of the Many project on the island of Ameland, where locally produced energy, assets, and participation rights are tokenized to support peer-to-peer energy sharing. First within communities, and eventually between communities. The conversation highlights the difference between simple digitization and true digitalization of value, and why that distinction matters legally and economically.The episode also tackles big questions head-on:- Does regulation slow down innovation, or is lack of clarity the real issue?- How can Europe balance strong consumer protection with the need for faster energy transition?- What does the upcoming Energy Act mean for access to smart meter data, ownership, and consent?- And how do we make all of this simple enough for end users who ultimately just want lower bills and better services?In short, this episode offers a clear and practical look at how law, technology, and tokenization are coming together to shape digital energy in Europe.Participants: Alex Bausch: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexbausch/Michel Chatelin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelchatelin-osborneclarke/Joanne Zaaijer: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joanne-zaaijer-9a4355b/More about Osborne Clarke Netherlands: https://www.osborneclarke.com/nl/locations/the-netherlands/amsterdamSend us Fan MailSupport the showDo you want to join one of the use cases? Contact us via [email protected]  Read more on our blog 👉 https://www.2tokens.org/news Follow us on LinkedIn 👉 https://www.linkedin.com/company/2tokensTwitter 👉 https://twitter.com/2tokens_org?s=20 Website 👉 https://www.2tokens.org/