Project description
Powering Europe’s smart, resilient energy future
Europe’s race to reach net-zero is putting enormous pressure on its power grids. As demand for electricity rises and is expected to double in the coming decades, renewable energy from wind and solar is flooding the system. Unlike fossil fuels, these sources are variable and decentralised, creating two-way power flows that strain ageing infrastructure and limit capacity. The EU-funded HEROGRID project aims to modernise this backbone of the green transition. Specifically, it will combine high-temperature low-sag conductors, which carry more power with minimal cable drooping, and AI-driven dynamic line rating systems, which adjust grid capacity in real time based on weather and load. Together, they are designed to make Europe’s grids smarter, more flexible, and more resilient.
Objective
To meet the European Green Deal transformation for the European power sector, electricity demand is expected to jump from 20% to nearly 50%. Distributed and intermittent energy renewable resources has introduced bidirectional and complex power flows, leading to numerous bottlenecks and stability challenges. To address these challenges, the EU’s Energy Digitalization Action Plan outlines the need for substantial investments focused on the distribution grid. October 2023 saw the introduction of the EU Action Plan for Grids, which emphasizes the optimization and smarter utilization of existing grid infrastructures.
A key innovation is Dynamic Line Rating (DLR) systems, which use IoT networks on power lines to make real-time adjustments, maximizing capacity and reducing congestion. However, these systems have mainly been used in traditional grids and haven't fully integrated innovative approaches like High-Temperature Low-Sag (HTLS) conductors, operating at higher temperatures with minimal sag, offer up to 33% enhanced transmission capacities and are increasingly seen as replacements for traditional conductors.
Nonetheless, the integration of HTLS technologies with advanced DLR systems. HEROGRID aims to bridge with new AI-based DLR models specifically designed for HTLS powerlines. Additionally, the project seeks to pioneer IoT devices that are not only compatible with HTLS environments but are also self-powered through innovative energy harvesting technologies including piezoelectric and thermoelectric systems combined with efficient power management system.
HEROGRID enhances operational efficiency and cuts maintenance costs for renewable energy infrastructures. By integrating advanced technologies into the European power grid, it supports the EU's transition to sustainable energy, enabling new business models for grid operators. Aligned with Horizon-Cl5-2024-D2-01-04, HEROGRID promises substantial contributions to energy distribution and transmission.
Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
- social sciences economics and business business and management business models
- engineering and technology electrical engineering, electronic engineering, information engineering electrical engineering power engineering electric power transmission
- social sciences economics and business economics sustainable economy
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Keywords
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Programme(s)
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
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HORIZON.2.5 - Climate, Energy and Mobility
MAIN PROGRAMME
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Topic(s)
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Funding Scheme
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
HORIZON-RIA - HORIZON Research and Innovation Actions
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Call for proposal
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
(opens in new window) HORIZON-CL5-2024-D2-01
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Net EU financial contribution. The sum of money that the participant receives, deducted by the EU contribution to its linked third party. It considers the distribution of the EU financial contribution between direct beneficiaries of the project and other types of participants, like third-party participants.
08193 CERDANYOLA DEL VALLES (BARCELONA)
Spain
The organization defined itself as SME (small and medium-sized enterprise) at the time the Grant Agreement was signed.
The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.