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.
