innovative Energy Storage TEchnologies TOwards increased Renewables integration and Efficient Operation

Project Information

i-STENTORE

Grant agreement ID: 101096787

DOI

10.3030/101096787

Project closed

EC signature date 9 December 2022

Start date 1 January 2023

End date 30 April 2026

Funded under

• Climate, Energy and Mobility

Total cost

€ 9 960 565,23

EU contribution

€ 8 098 455,43

Coordinated by

EUROPEAN DYNAMICS LUXEMBOURG SA
Luxembourg

Periodic Reporting for period 1 - i-STENTORE (innovative Energy Storage TEchnologies TOwards increased Renewables integration and Efficient Operation)

Reporting period: 2023-01-01 to 2024-06-30

Summary of the context and overall objectives of the project

The i-STENTORE project stands at the forefront of integrating advanced Energy Storage (ES) technologies within the European power system. It explores the co-optimization of innovative ES systems (ESS) and integrated assets, focusing on reliability, power quality, cost-efficient operation, and maximizing asset longevity. This ambitious project introduces a comprehensive framework that highlights the multifaceted utility of storage—not merely as an energy buffer but as an active grid component. This framework facilitates grid resilience, stability, and efficient operations, ultimately fostering the broader integration of renewable energy sources (RES). The project is designed to examine the applicability of versatile storage solutions across various sectors, including mobility, agriculture, industry, and the residential sector, over different timeframes. It leverages what-if scenarios to determine the most effective storage solutions for each application, promoting purpose-specific Hybrid Energy Storage Systems (HESS), showcasing the advantages of the combinations of different storage systems for a single application. The project aims to create a Reference Architecture that supports an open and flexible storage-enabling European power system. This architecture will ensure seamless integration in a technology-agnostic and interoperable manner, enhancing storage-induced flexibility. Refinement of existing tools within ESS is emphasized for optimal control and management, along with the development of an ESS-based Virtual Power Plant (VPP) to optimize asset management and energy usage. Comprehensive techno-economic analysis and regulatory assessments are also conducted to tackle market and regulatory barriers, opening up new market opportunities and aligning European technological value chains with global market demands. Moreover, there is a focus on strengthening business models related to energy storage. By identifying new revenue streams for storage operators, ESSs are positioned as pivotal enablers in the energy transition. This strategic approach validates the enhanced connectivity of multiple systems at various levels of the energy value chain, integrating solutions both front-of-the-meter and behind-the-meter. Such integration empowers new actors and shifts the role of storage technologies to key flexibility enablers, effectively addressing the intermittency challenges of RES.

Work performed from the beginning of the project to the end of the period covered by the report and main results achieved so far

During the first 18 months of the project the following achievements can be reported:
• Conducted a state-of-the-art analysis for various relevant energy storage technologies.
• Analysed the regulatory framework landscape of Energy Storage Systems (ESS) within European power systems, focusing on barriers.
• Developed business use case descriptions for pilot sites.
• Developed business models for energy storage systems, detailing co-simulation environments, revenue opportunities, barriers, and multi-use storage deployment strategies.
• Addressed second-life applications of storage systems, analysing their economic and environmental impacts.
• Created functional specifications for data integration.
• Defined profiles and system requirements for the i-STENTORE framework, which led to the development of the initial version of the architecture.
• Advanced to a more detailed second version of the architecture, incorporating i-STENTORE Set of Vocabularies & Ontologies, Data Store, Context Broker, Data Privacy & Security Module, Data Transformation Module, Analytics Engine & UI, and Data Spaces Connector to achieve interoperability objectives and desired functionality.
• Developed control and monitoring tools, optimization and forecasting algorithms for the various demonstrators of the project
• Established an integration and development plan around three essential Minimum Viable Products (MVPs) defining components and corresponding activities.
• Released the first version of the i-STENTORE Data Governance Middleware (iDGM).
• Released the first version of the Virtual Power Plant (VPP) including identity management and an initial version of the asset register.
• Developed the first version of the Investment Planning Tool (IPT).
• Completed the preparation of pilot sites, concluded the pre-demo phase, and derived initial insights.
• Commenced and in some cases completed the procurement of components for pilot sites, began the assembly of components, and initiated the deployment of components in some.
• Developed the methodology for the evaluation framework, including the replication scalability roadmap, lessons learnt, multi-dimensional impact assessment, and regulation briefing.
• Developed and maintained the i-STENTORE website.
• Kept social media channels up-to-date.
• Launched multiple communication campaigns through social media, newsletters, and press releases to engage diverse audiences and increase project visibility.
• Participated in international events such as ENLIT and maintained engagement in the BRIDGE initiative and its Working Groups.
• Established liaisons with Sister Projects SINNOGENES, AGISTIN, and 2LIPP.
• Initiated and conducted a series of WebCafes titled “Energy Talks” across eight workshops.

Progress beyond the state of the art and expected potential impact (including the socio-economic impact and the wider societal implications of the project so far)

i-STENTORE focuses on advancing and disseminating innovative energy storage technologies, enhancing sustainability, functionality, and robustness of storage systems. By strengthening the European value chain, the project encourages the creation and improvement of technological pathways with potential for international cooperation and market penetration. In this context, the project is developing business models that demonstrate successful integration of storage systems into innovative and 'green' energy systems across various scales and timelines. Enhanced sustainability and increased international cooperation capabilities enable the project to contribute to the EU's climate neutrality goals, while proven functionalities of storage systems provide tangible solutions for specialized applications.
Additionally, the project develops and tests business models that not only support economic viability but also encourage broader acceptance and exploitation of energy storage solutions. This is achieved through the creation of reliable and innovative systems capable of offering multiple services, improving energy system performance, and enhancing comprehensive energy management.
i-STENTORE incorporates and promotes the use of advanced technologies and analytical tools, such as digital twins and optimization systems, strengthening the operation of hybrid storage systems and highlighting their advantages. This approach allows a detailed exploration of the scalability of multi-use applications, utilizing various storage technologies for multiple services. Ultimately, such initiatives not only promote the rapid deployment of energy storage systems that facilitate the faster integration of renewable sources but also enhance community participation and local development.