Contemporary energy systems are undergoing an unprecedented period of transformation, shaped by the intersection of geopolitical challenges, climate change imperatives, and rapid technological innovation. Energy security has emerged as a strategic priority, assuming particular significance amid global tensions and disruptions in energy supply chains. Simultaneously, rising energy prices pose substantial challenges to industrial competitiveness and societal welfare, necessitating a careful balance between decarbonization objectives and economic viability. 

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Technological innovation is creating new opportunities for the transformation of energy systems. The development of a hydrogen-based economy, the use of green ammonia as an energy carrier, and the production of synthetic fuels offer viable pathways for decarbonizing hard-to-abate sectors, including industry and transport. At the same time, intensive debates are ongoing regarding the optimal structure of energy generation, encompassing the revival of nuclear power as a stable low-carbon source, the large-scale deployment of renewable energy technologies, and the evolving role of conventional generation in maintaining system reliability and stability. 

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The decentralization and digitalization of energy systems are fundamentally reshaping established paradigms in the energy sector. Enhanced consumer participation through the prosumer model, the expansion of microgrids, and the implementation of advanced energy management solutions enable the development of more flexible, resilient, and efficient systems. Artificial intelligence, Internet of Things (IoT) technologies, and advanced control algorithms are transforming the operational management and planning of energy systems. 

The development of novel materials for energy applications—ranging from high-efficiency photovoltaic cells to advanced batteries and energy storage technologies—constitutes a critical factor in accelerating the energy transition. These technological innovations must be integrated into comprehensive energy system management strategies to ensure system stability, economic efficiency, and the achievement of environmental objectives. 

ENTRUST aims to bring together the academic community, industry representatives, policymakers, and other stakeholders to foster constructive dialogue on the challenges facing contemporary energy systems and the pathways toward their resolution, promoting interdisciplinary collaboration and the pursuit of innovative solutions.