Abstract
Abstract The transition to decarbonized energy systems increases the complexity of smart energy system operation, control, and validation. ERIGrid 2.0 addresses these challenges through advanced research and technology infrastructures and methodologies, leveraging multi-laboratory experimental frameworks and geographically distributed real-time simulation. This chapter presents insights from laboratory activities and performance indicator-driven user experiences, demonstrating their impact on experimental validation. Three demonstrations are discussed: Improving power hardware-in-the-loop simulation stability, adaptive delay compensation in geographically distributed real-time simulation, and validating a voltage control strategy across multiple laboratories. The findings emphasize the effectiveness of standardized validation methodologies, multi-laboratory setups, and user-driven feedback in accelerating smart grid innovation.