Periodic Reporting for period 1 - SUNRISE (Setting Up green eNergy Research In SErbia)
Période du rapport: 2023-01-01 au 2025-12-31
The SUNRISE project, funded by the European Union under Horizon Europe, is designed to enhance Serbia's capabilities in green energy research. As part of the EU's commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and achieving climate neutrality by 2050, Serbia has adopted the Clean Energy for All Europeans package. However, the country's current research infrastructure and capacity in power system decarbonization are underdeveloped.
To address these challenges, the SUNRISE project has set several key objectives. Firstly, it aims to establish a state-of-the-art Real-Time Simulation Laboratory at the Faculty of Electrical Engineering (ETF) at the University of Belgrade. This facility will enable advanced research and testing of smart grid technologies, which are crucial for integrating renewable energy sources into the power grid.
Another objective is to boost the reputation and research output of ETF and its staff. By increasing international collaborations and improving the quality of research, the project seeks to enhance ETF's standing in the global research community.
The project also focuses on developing the research management and administrative skills of ETF staff. By enhancing efficiency in managing EU-funded projects and increasing success in securing competitive funding, the project aims to ensure sustained research excellence and innovation.
Additionally, SUNRISE aims to build strong collaborations with international research institutions and industry. These partnerships will facilitate knowledge transfer, drive technological innovation, and support the practical application of research findings in the energy sector.
The expected impacts of the SUNRISE project are substantial. The new laboratory will support cutting-edge research in smart grids and renewable energy, while improved facilities and training will elevate the quality of research outputs. Stronger ties with European institutions will enhance knowledge exchange, and linking research with industry will drive technological innovation and economic development in Serbia.
In conclusion, the SUNRISE project is a pivotal initiative to boost Serbia's research in green energy. By developing advanced infrastructure and fostering international collaborations, , it aims to make significant contributions to global climate goals and help Serbia adn ETF step up in the transition to a sustainable energy future.
To address these challenges, the SUNRISE project has set several key objectives. Firstly, it aims to establish a state-of-the-art Real-Time Simulation Laboratory at the Faculty of Electrical Engineering (ETF) at the University of Belgrade. This facility will enable advanced research and testing of smart grid technologies, which are crucial for integrating renewable energy sources into the power grid.
Another objective is to boost the reputation and research output of ETF and its staff. By increasing international collaborations and improving the quality of research, the project seeks to enhance ETF's standing in the global research community.
The project also focuses on developing the research management and administrative skills of ETF staff. By enhancing efficiency in managing EU-funded projects and increasing success in securing competitive funding, the project aims to ensure sustained research excellence and innovation.
Additionally, SUNRISE aims to build strong collaborations with international research institutions and industry. These partnerships will facilitate knowledge transfer, drive technological innovation, and support the practical application of research findings in the energy sector.
The expected impacts of the SUNRISE project are substantial. The new laboratory will support cutting-edge research in smart grids and renewable energy, while improved facilities and training will elevate the quality of research outputs. Stronger ties with European institutions will enhance knowledge exchange, and linking research with industry will drive technological innovation and economic development in Serbia.
In conclusion, the SUNRISE project is a pivotal initiative to boost Serbia's research in green energy. By developing advanced infrastructure and fostering international collaborations, , it aims to make significant contributions to global climate goals and help Serbia adn ETF step up in the transition to a sustainable energy future.
- Establishment of the Real-Time Simulation laboratory
One of the cornerstone activities of the SUNRISE project was the creation of a state-of-the-art Real-Time Simulation Laboratory at the ETF. This laboratory, equipped with advanced hardware and software for real-time simulations and Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) testing, was designed and installed with the support of experts from TUD, USE and UPV/EHU. The laboratory is now fully operational, providing a cutting-edge environment for testing and validating smart grid components and integrating renewable energy sources into the power grid.
- Training and skill development
To maximize the use of the new laboratory, the project focused on enhancing the technical skills and knowledge of ETF researchers and staff. A series of virtual and on-site training sessions were conducted, covering real-time simulation techniques, OPAL-RT/RTDS co-simulation, and relay protection. Additionally, short-term visits to partner institutions allowed for hands-on training and knowledge exchange. As a result, over 11 researchers were trained in advanced simulation techniques. Furthermore, a Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) for OPAL-RT/RTDS co-simulation was developed and made available on the IEEE IES website and GitHub, supporting ongoing education and skill development.
- Exploratory research projects
The enhanced infrastructure and training facilitated the initiation of joint exploratory research projects. These projects focused on developing control strategies for hybrid AC/DC grids, testing protection systems in networks with high penetration of inverter-based resources (IBRs), and coordinating control of active distribution networks. The findings from these projects were accepted for publication in international conferences and journals, showcasing the innovative contributions of the SUNRISE project to the field of energy research.
- International collaboration and mobility
Fostering robust international collaborations was another key objective of the SUNRISE project. Through organized short-term research exchanges, ETF researchers visited partner institutions and vice versa, facilitating joint research activities and project proposals. Over 12 research visits were completed, leading to the submission of multiple joint research proposals and the publication of collaborative research papers. These efforts strengthened the ties between ETF and leading European research institutions, enhancing knowledge exchange and fostering innovation.
- Research management and administrative improvements
Improving research management and administrative skills at ETF was essential for the project's success. A dedicated Research Management Office (RMO) was established to support project administration, proposal writing, and compliance with EU funding requirements. The successful establishment of the RMO and enhanced administrative capacity have led to more efficient project management and increased success in securing competitive funding.
One of the cornerstone activities of the SUNRISE project was the creation of a state-of-the-art Real-Time Simulation Laboratory at the ETF. This laboratory, equipped with advanced hardware and software for real-time simulations and Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) testing, was designed and installed with the support of experts from TUD, USE and UPV/EHU. The laboratory is now fully operational, providing a cutting-edge environment for testing and validating smart grid components and integrating renewable energy sources into the power grid.
- Training and skill development
To maximize the use of the new laboratory, the project focused on enhancing the technical skills and knowledge of ETF researchers and staff. A series of virtual and on-site training sessions were conducted, covering real-time simulation techniques, OPAL-RT/RTDS co-simulation, and relay protection. Additionally, short-term visits to partner institutions allowed for hands-on training and knowledge exchange. As a result, over 11 researchers were trained in advanced simulation techniques. Furthermore, a Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) for OPAL-RT/RTDS co-simulation was developed and made available on the IEEE IES website and GitHub, supporting ongoing education and skill development.
- Exploratory research projects
The enhanced infrastructure and training facilitated the initiation of joint exploratory research projects. These projects focused on developing control strategies for hybrid AC/DC grids, testing protection systems in networks with high penetration of inverter-based resources (IBRs), and coordinating control of active distribution networks. The findings from these projects were accepted for publication in international conferences and journals, showcasing the innovative contributions of the SUNRISE project to the field of energy research.
- International collaboration and mobility
Fostering robust international collaborations was another key objective of the SUNRISE project. Through organized short-term research exchanges, ETF researchers visited partner institutions and vice versa, facilitating joint research activities and project proposals. Over 12 research visits were completed, leading to the submission of multiple joint research proposals and the publication of collaborative research papers. These efforts strengthened the ties between ETF and leading European research institutions, enhancing knowledge exchange and fostering innovation.
- Research management and administrative improvements
Improving research management and administrative skills at ETF was essential for the project's success. A dedicated Research Management Office (RMO) was established to support project administration, proposal writing, and compliance with EU funding requirements. The successful establishment of the RMO and enhanced administrative capacity have led to more efficient project management and increased success in securing competitive funding.
The establishment of a state-of-the-art Real-Time Simulation Laboratory at ETF has greatly enhanced Serbia's research infrastructure. This facility supports advanced research in smart grid technologies and renewable energy integration, addressing the research and innovation gap in Serbia. Through extensive training and mobility initiatives, the project has advanced the expertise and technical capabilities of ETF's research staff, positioning them to lead in energy decarbonization research.
SUNRISE has fostered strong partnerships with leading European institutions. These collaborations have facilitated knowledge transfer and best practice exchange, resulting in new project applications and strengthened research networks. Regular training sessions, visits, and joint research activities have integrated Serbia more fully into the European Research Area.
The project has significantly increased the number of publications and participation in international conferences, boosting ETF's research profile and reputation. Training programs in research management and project administration have further improved the institution’s efficiency and attractiveness for international collaborations.
The establishment of a RMO at ETF has improved project management and administrative skills, leading to more efficient handling of EU-funded projects and higher success rates in securing competitive funding.
SUNRISE has fostered strong partnerships with leading European institutions. These collaborations have facilitated knowledge transfer and best practice exchange, resulting in new project applications and strengthened research networks. Regular training sessions, visits, and joint research activities have integrated Serbia more fully into the European Research Area.
The project has significantly increased the number of publications and participation in international conferences, boosting ETF's research profile and reputation. Training programs in research management and project administration have further improved the institution’s efficiency and attractiveness for international collaborations.
The establishment of a RMO at ETF has improved project management and administrative skills, leading to more efficient handling of EU-funded projects and higher success rates in securing competitive funding.