Summary of progress towards:
Objective 1: To demonstrate an efficient and cost-effective transition for existing utility owners and their power plants based on the experiences at the demo site at Bornholm.
- Site Preparation and Installation: The Rønne CHP plant site have undergone substantial preparation for the installation of energy storage technologies, including the 2nd life battery and flywheel systems. Key activities include site visit, environmental assessments, and infrastructure setups like digging and cable installations.
- Technology Deployment and Integration Challenges: The 2nd life battery has been successfully designed, built, and delivered to the site. However, its commissioning faces delays due to non-compliance with technical regulations concerning the inverter, necessitating an exemption process. Similarly, the flywheel system's delivery has been delayed by supplier reliability issues, with the new expected completion shifted to December 2024. Despite these setbacks, both technologies aim for seamless integration into the existing grid, with substantial progress made in setting up electrical and heat connections.
- Regulatory Compliance and Engagement:
Continuous efforts are underway to secure necessary grid connection permits and environmental approvals. The project faces challenges related to regulatory documentation and requires exemptions, actively addressed through ongoing dialogues with the Danish Environmental Protection Agency and the local Distribution System Operator (DSO). These efforts focus on ensuring compliance and facilitating project advancement.
Objective 2: To develop business models and system designs for the hybrid storage system in the project, both as standalone systems and as the combined hybrid 2LIPP system.
- System Design and Business Model Development:
Substantial progress has been made in the design, construction, and initial installation of the three storage technologies: the 2nd Life battery, flywheel, and molten salt storage. The systems have been successfully integrated into the existing infrastructure, with initial design and dimensioning completed.
- Preliminary business models for both standalone and integrated systems have been conceptualized to evaluate their feasibility, profitability, and market potential. These models are still under refinement to ensure they accurately capture all potential revenue streams and market dynamics.
- Research, Compliance, and Challenges:
Extensive research and development have focused on critical components such as the inverter for the 2nd Life battery and the molten salt storage specifications, crucial for ensuring system compatibility and efficiency with existing grid and environmental regulations.
Objective 3: To minimize losses and maximize synergy between energy storage and heat and electricity production at power plants
- System Development and Integration:
The energy management system (EMS) for the hybrid battery system has been developed, emphasizing optimal operation and market participation, leveraging the fast response and sustained power delivery of the combined storage units. Although integration for the molten salt system faced delays, measures are in place to address the challenges, particularly with the control interface redesign.
- Integration efforts continue to optimize the interaction between the energy storage systems and existing heat and electricity production facilities. Significant progress includes detailing and implementing functionalities through collaborative workshops and development activities.
- Regulatory Compliance and Use Case Development:
Development of detailed use cases transitioned from WP1 to WP2, focusing on implementation in the demo system at Bornholm. These use cases guide operational strategies and functionality distribution among the storage units and EMS. Efforts to obtain necessary regulatory approvals for grid connection and environmental compliance are advancing, although some approvals remain pending.
Objective 4: To create roadmaps in the form of case studies for the sustainable transition of power plants to a green future reusing obsolete or underused power plant infrastructure and creating second-life renewable energy utilities based on value-proven European technologies. (WP1, WP5)
- Development and Planning: Detailed case studies have been prepared, focusing on retrofitting power plants like the Rønne Power Plant and selected sites in Germany and Poland with renewable energy solutions. Alongside this, a comprehensive roadmap has been developed outlining the technical, economic, and regulatory steps necessary for transitioning power plants from traditional operations to integrated renewable energy systems.
- Technology Integration and Stakeholder Engagement: Renewable Technology Integration: Significant strides have been made in integrating renewable technologies such as solar and wind, along with energy storage solutions at the demo sites. This includes the successful installation and operational testing of these systems.
Stakeholder Workshops: Critical interactions with stakeholders through workshops have played a vital role in refining the transition strategies and collecting essential feedback for the roadmap implementations.
