Periodic Reporting for period 3 - RE-EMPOWERED (Renewable Energy EMPOWERing European and InDian communities)
Période du rapport: 2024-01-01 au 2024-12-31
The rapid penetration of renewable energy sources to the electricity grid is a key factor for achieving the decarbonization goals of the EU. Local energy systems can support RES integration using optimization techniques and exploiting synergies with different energy vectors, such as heating/ cooling, transport etc. Advanced network architectures, new methods for operation and planning, and technological developments in power electronic interfaces, digitalization and ICT and energy storage in various forms (EVs, batteries, thermal) are needed in order to address the RES challenges.
The role of citizens’ participation and engagement in the decarbonization of local energy systems is crucial. In particular, energy communities empower citizens in order to increase local RES integration. In that direction, integrated local energy systems offer the possibility of attracting investments by adopting innovative business models.
The objectives of the project were organized in three pillars: (1) Increased energy efficiency, RES utilization and reliability. (2) Fostering sustainable and economic community development. (3) Exchange, replicability and scalability in EU and India.
The main goal of RE-EMPOWERED was to develop and demonstrate solutions for the energy transition of local energy systems based on multi-energy microgrids, interconnecting multiple energy vectors. This structure was used to optimize their joint operation.
RE-EMPOWERED has developed a complete set of solutions for local energy systems that were demonstrated in four pilot sites, two European and two Indian, complementary in terms of size, primary resources and technical maturity. The solutions range from planning tools for designing or upgrading energy systems, to control and optimization tools for the management of microgrids, interoperable platforms for the integration of the available energy carriers, the digitization of the systems and advanced power electronic interfaces. The overall ecoToolset consists of ecoEMS, ecoMicrogrid, ecoPlanning, ecoDR, ecoPlatform, ecoMonitor, ecoCommunity, ecoResilience, ecoConverter and ecoVehicle. All ecoTools have been deployed and successfully demonstrated to the various sites. Useful data have been collected and a comprehensive assessment has been conducted which highlighted significant positive impact.
The role of citizens’ participation and engagement in the decarbonization of local energy systems is crucial. In particular, energy communities empower citizens in order to increase local RES integration. In that direction, integrated local energy systems offer the possibility of attracting investments by adopting innovative business models.
The objectives of the project were organized in three pillars: (1) Increased energy efficiency, RES utilization and reliability. (2) Fostering sustainable and economic community development. (3) Exchange, replicability and scalability in EU and India.
The main goal of RE-EMPOWERED was to develop and demonstrate solutions for the energy transition of local energy systems based on multi-energy microgrids, interconnecting multiple energy vectors. This structure was used to optimize their joint operation.
RE-EMPOWERED has developed a complete set of solutions for local energy systems that were demonstrated in four pilot sites, two European and two Indian, complementary in terms of size, primary resources and technical maturity. The solutions range from planning tools for designing or upgrading energy systems, to control and optimization tools for the management of microgrids, interoperable platforms for the integration of the available energy carriers, the digitization of the systems and advanced power electronic interfaces. The overall ecoToolset consists of ecoEMS, ecoMicrogrid, ecoPlanning, ecoDR, ecoPlatform, ecoMonitor, ecoCommunity, ecoResilience, ecoConverter and ecoVehicle. All ecoTools have been deployed and successfully demonstrated to the various sites. Useful data have been collected and a comprehensive assessment has been conducted which highlighted significant positive impact.
In summary, the following achievements were accomplished:
10 ecoTools have been developed and specifically modified and parametrized for each demo requirements. Control algorithms have been produced and simulation tested such as: co-optimization of multi-energy systems, demand side management, control, stability, resilience, and energy supply restoration. Also all ecoTools were extensively lab tested prior to their deployment on site. Commercial installations were performed especially at Indian sites in order to accommodate the ecoTools. 27 installations of the 10 ecoTools were carried out to address the diverse needs of the 4 demo-sites. Demonstration of the ecoTools was concluded successfully in 2 rounds aligned with the corresponding Use Cases (UCs). A pool of 57 singular UCs was defined and 107 UCs were successfully demonstrated in total at the 4 demos. Extensive assessments were performed on Technical, Economic, Social, Environmental impact and Replicability aspects, where 78 singular KPIs were assessed, while 159 KPIs were calculated in total in the various demos. 41 training activities have been conducted at the various sites. 27 stakeholder engagement activities took place. Business models, legal framework, regulatory and financial obstacles and opportunities were studied to propose mechanisms to facilitate energy communities. Furthermore, 13 knowledge exchange activities in the form of physical visits were conducted of which, 10 exchanges involved EU-India collaboration, while 3 exchanges occurred among EU partners.
1 ecoTool (ecoMicrogrid) has been commercialized. 1 patent has been filed in India (in relation to ecoConverter). The project results were disseminated in around 80 events/activities (conferences, webinars, workshops etc) in EU and India. 14 scientific journal and 15 scientific conference papers were published in total. The project was also featured in the press (non-scientific) 13 times. Regarding the results from the use of social media, website and other media for the project promotion the total impressions and engagements of the project account for about 130.000 and 46.000 respectively for the whole project duration. Finally, five (5) videos have been uploaded on the project’s YouTube channel.
10 ecoTools have been developed and specifically modified and parametrized for each demo requirements. Control algorithms have been produced and simulation tested such as: co-optimization of multi-energy systems, demand side management, control, stability, resilience, and energy supply restoration. Also all ecoTools were extensively lab tested prior to their deployment on site. Commercial installations were performed especially at Indian sites in order to accommodate the ecoTools. 27 installations of the 10 ecoTools were carried out to address the diverse needs of the 4 demo-sites. Demonstration of the ecoTools was concluded successfully in 2 rounds aligned with the corresponding Use Cases (UCs). A pool of 57 singular UCs was defined and 107 UCs were successfully demonstrated in total at the 4 demos. Extensive assessments were performed on Technical, Economic, Social, Environmental impact and Replicability aspects, where 78 singular KPIs were assessed, while 159 KPIs were calculated in total in the various demos. 41 training activities have been conducted at the various sites. 27 stakeholder engagement activities took place. Business models, legal framework, regulatory and financial obstacles and opportunities were studied to propose mechanisms to facilitate energy communities. Furthermore, 13 knowledge exchange activities in the form of physical visits were conducted of which, 10 exchanges involved EU-India collaboration, while 3 exchanges occurred among EU partners.
1 ecoTool (ecoMicrogrid) has been commercialized. 1 patent has been filed in India (in relation to ecoConverter). The project results were disseminated in around 80 events/activities (conferences, webinars, workshops etc) in EU and India. 14 scientific journal and 15 scientific conference papers were published in total. The project was also featured in the press (non-scientific) 13 times. Regarding the results from the use of social media, website and other media for the project promotion the total impressions and engagements of the project account for about 130.000 and 46.000 respectively for the whole project duration. Finally, five (5) videos have been uploaded on the project’s YouTube channel.
The ecoToolset for efficient, RES-intensive, multi-energy local energy systems, covers a wide range of objectives of microgrid’s/energy island’s operation, optimization, digitalization and decarbonization and is easily replicable. Indicatively, the innovative features include, energy management systems achieving multi-vector optimization and equipped with predictive functions, smart phone applications for demand side management that provide favourable time slots with real-time pricing indication to connect loads, resilient mechanical structures that reduce their mechanical loads during extreme weather events, etc. The demonstration of the tools in the four demo sites for control, stability and reliability studies has provided a wealth of information and a holistic insight into the challenges related to energy transition in many realistic set ups.
The project had significant social impact at the Indian demo-sites. In Ghoramara Island, the RE-EMPOWERED microgrid has electrified 650 households, without previous access to electricity. Additionally, the project is set to electrify 490 more households in the coming months. Besides residential electrification, the project has fostered economic growth in the island by enabling a permanent market with 8-10 local growers and vendors and 10-12 shops, supplied by a high light mast.
The Keonjhar microgrid in India (integrating PV and storage with biomass and biogas following the principles of circular economy), is providing clean energy to 75 households, ensuring a 24-hour electricity supply, overcoming previous light limitations to 4 hours per day. This higher access to electricity has facilitated the creation of 4-5 new microenterprises and attracted 7-10 new business customers.
The economic impact of the project installations is manifested by the reduction of their operational costs, while RES utilization was increased in all demos. In some cases, such as the Gaidouromantra microgrid (Greece), the reductions of operational costs reached up to 55.5%, resulting from the minimization of the diesel generator operation. In Bornholm Island (Denmark) the co-optimization of electric power and district heating has led to 11% RES increase and 14.4% overall costs reduction. The integration of the digital tools with reliable data management has significantly raised the level of system digitalization.
Considering environmental impact, the implemented solutions have shown a reduction of CO2 emissions by 8.3% in Bornholm Demo Site, by 29% in Kythnos Power System, by 66.6% in the Gaidouromantra microgrid.
A co-operative society in the form of energy community has been formed in Keonjhar demo site (India) that takes decisions about the operation, maintenance and further development of the microgrid.
The project had significant social impact at the Indian demo-sites. In Ghoramara Island, the RE-EMPOWERED microgrid has electrified 650 households, without previous access to electricity. Additionally, the project is set to electrify 490 more households in the coming months. Besides residential electrification, the project has fostered economic growth in the island by enabling a permanent market with 8-10 local growers and vendors and 10-12 shops, supplied by a high light mast.
The Keonjhar microgrid in India (integrating PV and storage with biomass and biogas following the principles of circular economy), is providing clean energy to 75 households, ensuring a 24-hour electricity supply, overcoming previous light limitations to 4 hours per day. This higher access to electricity has facilitated the creation of 4-5 new microenterprises and attracted 7-10 new business customers.
The economic impact of the project installations is manifested by the reduction of their operational costs, while RES utilization was increased in all demos. In some cases, such as the Gaidouromantra microgrid (Greece), the reductions of operational costs reached up to 55.5%, resulting from the minimization of the diesel generator operation. In Bornholm Island (Denmark) the co-optimization of electric power and district heating has led to 11% RES increase and 14.4% overall costs reduction. The integration of the digital tools with reliable data management has significantly raised the level of system digitalization.
Considering environmental impact, the implemented solutions have shown a reduction of CO2 emissions by 8.3% in Bornholm Demo Site, by 29% in Kythnos Power System, by 66.6% in the Gaidouromantra microgrid.
A co-operative society in the form of energy community has been formed in Keonjhar demo site (India) that takes decisions about the operation, maintenance and further development of the microgrid.