Future networks will incorporate a combination of microgrids and different types of renewable-based distributed energy resources (DERs), allowing them to provide ancillary services in grid-connected mode and, if necessary, operate in an islanded mode to increase network proactivity, continuity of supply, reliability, and resilience. Also, energy storage has become a critical issue in microgrid and residential building applications due to varying limitations such as capacity-loss over time and aging. This panel covers all types of smart solutions that exploit microgrid optimisation under uncertainty, new probabilistic methods for managing microgrid energy management systems, including Hydrogen (H2) as one of the key energy vectors for long-term storage. A sub-topic considers innovative approaches to the analytical and simulation techniques for assessing the optimal operation and control of microgrids and DERs, while dispatching different ancillary services for the grid in a reliable and economical manner. The panel insight will also extend to self-optimizing control solutions of building microgrids for the integration in net-zero energy buildings, as well as electric mobility (vehicle-to-grid, V2G, or boat-to-grid, B2G) within maritime, island microgrids, or integrated port energy systems. The scope includes the predictive maintenance and fault detection capabilities in hybrid (grid-connected and islanded) microgrids to ensure a smooth operation and maximize self-consumption of renewable energy intermittency through predictive control, artificial intelligence, machine learning and/or novel forecasting techniques.