Modern research increasingly depends on large-scale infrastructures, such as particle accelerators and computing centres, which are among the most energy-intensive scientific facilities. Their power consumption can be comparable to that of small towns, with usage levels reaching 100 megawatts or more. While these facilities are indispensable despite their high energy demands, society faces the enormous challenge of transitioning to a carbon-neutral economy, and minimizing both energy and material footprints.
Therefore, the RF2.0 consortium envisions a future where particle accelerators are designed and operated safely and stable anytime, powered by a 100% renewable energy supply with sustainable use of energy and materials.
The project aims to transform the way research accelerators are operated by targeting solutions from component to system level, both at experimental physics and energy engineering level. Its objectives focus on reducing energy consumption and enabling the integration of sustainable energy sources. At the component level, the consortium is developing more efficient permanent magnet solutions for dipoles and quadrupoles, and highly efficient Solid-State Amplifiers as radiofrequency sources for two common frequencies, 500MHz and 1.5GHz. Fast grid measurement systems, such as Phasor Measurement Units, are being integrated into accelerator distribution grids to detect major severe disturbances and allow faster and more effective countermeasures. At the system level, the integration of renewable energy sources, coordinated with energy storage solutions, allows improved use of local green energy, rather than relying solely on grid supply. Finally, the development of intelligent control algorithms and digitalization, such as Digital Twins, enables more flexible energy consumption during accelerator and connected data centres operations.
As a key expected outcome, the RF2.0 project will demonstrate these innovations in four demonstrator projects located in six leading research infrastructures for the acceleration of particles, supported by four SMEs focused on the effective (co-)development and technology transfer of new energy solutions.
