Skip to main content
European Commission logo print header

Programme Category

Programme

Article available in the following languages:

EN

Big data solutions for energy

 

Innovation Actions targeting large-scale pilot test-beds for big data application in the energy sector. The aim is to develop/pilot and deploy a reference architecture for large-scale multi-party data exchange, management & governance and real-time processing (including distributed/edge processing) in the energy sector and to translate this reference architecture into an open, modular data analytics toolbox for the safe and effective operation of grids and provision of innovative energy services. The reference architecture should ensure compatibility with legacy formats, interfaces and operating systems of the energy system, allow replication and scale-up, be compliant with applicable EU standards, and should enable the integration of relevant digital technologies like IoT, AI, cloud and big data services. The analytics toolbox shall be able to handle a wide variety of data and support the development of a wide range of energy services, at least to increase the efficiency and reliability of the operation of the electricity network (e.g. by predictive maintenance), to optimize the management of assets connected to the grid (in particular small-scale/renewable electricity generation and those used for demand response), to increase the efficiency and comfort of buildings, and to de-risk investments in energy efficiency (e.g. by reliably predicting and monitoring energy savings). Proposers should demonstrate that they have access to appropriate large-scale and realistic datasets, and should involve as many as necessary of the following types of participants: network operators, suppliers, independent aggregators, ESCO's, power exchanges, building management and renovation sectors, software integrators/developers. Proposals should address, as appropriate, analytics, simulation, prediction, cloud computing. Projects shall collaborate with EU-funded projects through the BRIDGE initiative [[http://www.h2020-bridge.eu/]].

For this topic, the four activities and impact criteria described in the introductory section 'Platforms and Pilots' have to be applied.

The Commission considers that proposals requesting a contribution from the EU of around 10 million EUR would allow this area to be addressed appropriately. Nonetheless, this does not preclude submission and selection of proposals requesting other amounts.

All grants under both subtopics will be subject to Article 30.3 of the grant agreement (Commission right to object to transfers or licensing).

Tomorrow's energy grids consist of heterogeneous interconnected systems, of an increasing number of small-scale and of dispersed energy generation and consumption devices, generating huge amounts of data. The electricity sector, in particular, needs big data tools and architectures for optimized energy system management under these demanding conditions.

Proposals should address the following impact criteria, providing metrics to measure success where appropriate:

  • Effective integration of relevant digital technologies in the energy sector, resulting in integrated value chains and efficient business processes of the participating organizations;
  • Enhancing energy asset management, increasing consumer participation and innovative network management, creating new data-driven business models and opportunities and innovative energy services;
  • Contribution to increasing the use of renewable energy and increased energy efficiency based on optimised energy asset management, offering access to cheaper and sustainable energy for energy consumers and maximising social welfare;
  • New data-driven paradigms for energy management systems able to deal with increased complexity of the energy systems;
  • Improving availability of big data and big data management & analysis facilities for real-life scale research, simulation and test purposes.