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.