July 9, 2025—Mitsubishi Research Institute, Inc. (MRI), a think tank based in Japan, and N-SIDE SA, an energy-sector business based in Belgium, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to develop new solutions that integrate distributed energy resources (DER). The pair looks to reduce the costs of power transmission and distribution networks and to make renewable energy a main source of power.
MRI and N-SIDE plan to craft a new electric power system that is both flexible and efficient by building on the global market’s inertia in advanced optimization-calculation technology and analysis methods. This would help to reduce the operational costs of power transmission and distribution networks, promote greater uptake of renewables, and make energy more affordable, reliable, and sustainable overall.
Specific details of the collaboration
The team plans to conduct analysis for new consulting services that integrate DER-based power transmission and distribution networks and that improve design and operational efficiency. The two companies cite their expertise in relevant technologies and consulting as key to the potential success of their initiatives. The hope is to jumpstart a consistent and swift cycle of technological advancement and market validation, ultimately enabling them to leverage innovative solutions that maximize their strengths.
After this initial round of work, MRI and N-SIDE will proceed to design specific business plans and various projects for market launch. The two companies will further fortify their collaboration so that their new initiatives can contribute to the upgrading and decarbonization of power transmission and distribution networks in markets around the world. In particular, they are positioning the utilization of local flexibility and the simultaneous market as practical areas for avoiding grid congestion and adjusting supply and demand. Building on this foundation, they plan to provide optimal consulting services and solutions for other new areas in the future.
“As Japan’s power system faces rapid change, we believe that working with N-SIDE will allow us to unlock new potential. By bridging global innovation and local insight, we are confident that this partnership can deliver solutions with real and lasting impact.” - Hiroshi Tanaka, General Manager, Energy and Sustainability Division, Mitsubishi Research Institute, Inc.
“We are excited to collaborate with Mitsubishi Research Institute, renowned for its expertise and longstanding contributions to Japan’s energy sector. Together, we plan to create new value for Japan’s evolving power system and share insights that can drive the global energy transition.” - Philippe Chevalier, CEO, N-SIDE.
N-SIDE is an international company providing software and consulting services based on mathematical optimization models and artificial intelligence. For over 25 years, N-SIDE has helped industries make informed decisions, manage risks, and optimize resource utilization.
In the energy sector, N-SIDE helps power grid operators and energy markets navigate energy system transformations and meet increasing electricity demands. Its solutions enhance the efficiency of power grids serving over two billion people and maximize the integration of renewable energy.
In the pharmaceutical sector, N-SIDE improves the efficiency of clinical trial supply chains for one in five medicines brought to the global market. Its solutions reduce drug waste from 70% to an average of 25%, prevent shortages, cut costs related to overproduction, and accelerate clinical trial timelines.
Headquartered in Louvain-la-Neuve with offices in Boston and Tokyo, N-SIDE brings together more than 200 employees from over 30 nationalities. Its commitment to driving sustainable transformation across the industries it serves and improving performance is recognized through certifications such as B Corporation, Ecovadis, Deloitte Belgium’s Best Managed Company, ISO 14001, and ISO 27001 standards.
Mitsubishi Research Institute is one of Japan’s foremost think tanks. For over 50 years, it has provided the public and private sectors with research and consulting services in fields spanning energy, the environment, healthcare, and digital transformation. This is accompanied by policy recommendations and the real-world application of solutions. Mitsubishi Research Institute will continue to envision the future, resolve societal issues, and lead change to build a sustainable and prosperous world.
Japan Electric Power Exchange (JEPX) uses N-SIDE's Power Matching Algorithm to operate Japan's day-ahead electricity market. Since the go-live in April 2024, N-SIDE's market-clearing solution has maintained stable daily operations while supporting JEPX's operational enhancements, including improved handling of complex bid types and refined market clearing processes This collaboration, now running for over a year, demonstrates how advanced algorithmic solutions can effectively support critical market infrastructure while adapting to the evolving needs of Japan's energy sector.