The overall scope of SMILE project was to demonstrate, in real-life operational conditions, a set of both technological and non-technological solutions adapted to local circumstances targeting distribution grids to enable demand response schemes, smart grid functionalities, storage and energy system integration with the final objective of paving the way for the introduction of the innovative solutions in the market in the near future. To this end, three large-scale pilot projects have been implemented in three island locations in different regions of Europe with similar topographic characteristics but different policies, regulations and energy markets: Orkneys (UK), Samsø (DK) and Madeira (PT). SMILE consortium is composed by 19 partners from 6 EU countries coordinated by RINA Consulting.
The objective was to test solutions while establishing mutual learning processes and providing best practice guidance for replication in other regions. Actually, the 3 demonstrators in the islands validated different combinations of technological solutions according to local specificities and the existing infrastructure and involved all value chain actors needed to efficiently implement projects systems. The technological solutions vary from integration of different battery technologies, power to heat, electric vehicles and boats, aggregator approach to demand side management (DSM), Energy Management System and predictive algorithms. Nowadays, the increasing share of variable renewable energy sources proves to be challenging to the electricity system’s stability and reliability, thus requiring the system to become more flexible and responsive. The 3 case studies were characterised by high penetration of renewable energy sources in the electricity grid or have planned increased shares thereof in the forthcoming years and therefore each pilot aimed to demonstrate stable and secure grid operation in the context of: 1) implementation of solutions enabling demand response and the intelligent control and automation of distribution networks to provide for smart management of the grid; 2) adoption of energy storage solutions; 3) connection between the electricity network and other energy networks; 4) smart integration of grid users from transport and mobility. Moreover, cross-cutting activities among the pilots were devoted to solve common technical, organizational, legal, regulatory and market-related issues as well as to evaluate the solutions from the economic and business points of view. Each demonstrator brought a specific set of challenges, technology options and most importantly, energy market conditions. The sites are therefore effectively representative of the majority of the EU energy markets and offer excellent demonstration settings able to deliver maximum impact in terms of replicability. Actually, the Orkneys and Samsø are electrically connected to the mainland network and can be representative of smart grids located on the mainland as well, whereas Madeira is the case of an energy island not connected to the mainland network. Furthermore, island communities can be more easily engaged in the real-life testing of solutions aimed at solving important challenges impacting life on the island and therefore constituted the ideal candidates for demonstration activities requiring societal engagement and active residents’ commitment.
