Maximizing the impact of innovative energy approaches in the EU islands

Project Information

INSULAE

Grant agreement ID: 824433

DOI

10.3030/824433

Project closed

EC signature date 26 March 2019

Start date 1 April 2019

End date 30 November 2023

Funded under

• SOCIETAL CHALLENGES - Secure, clean and efficient energy

Total cost

€ 11 735 177,24

EU contribution

€ 9 630 773,65

Coordinated by

FUNDACION CIRCE CENTRO DE INVESTIGACION DE RECURSOS Y CONSUMOS ENERGETICOS
Spain

Periodic Reporting for period 3 - INSULAE (Maximizing the impact of innovative energy approaches in the EU islands)

Reporting period: 2022-04-01 to 2023-11-30

Summary of the context and overall objectives of the project

The aim of INSULAE was to foster the deployment of innovative solutions for EU island decarbonization by developing and demonstrating at three Lighthouse Islands (located in Croatia, in Denmark and in Portugal) a set of interventions linked to seven replicable use cases, whose results validated an Investment Planning Tool demonstrated in four Follower Islands (located in Spain, in Germany , in France the overseas department of Guadeloupe, and in Greece).
INSULAE has realised the implementation of its demonstrators in lighthouse islands Madeira, Unije, and Bornholm showing opportunities for decarbonisation on EU islands related to: minimisation of effect on existing infrastructure of electrification of transport using novel microgrid systems and/or smart and V2G vehicle charging; digitalisation and data systems for better integrated management across utilities in general and setup of energy communities; Investigation of virtual power plants and response of an integrally managed system to grid needs considering high renewable penetration and a combined power and heat biogas plant with upgrade potential for other fuels; and finally battery and PV systems to achieve grid forming (100% renewable systems) and/or ancillary services to isolated gird sections. They demonstrate in a real setting some of the solutions for carbon neutrality on islands.
The INSULAE IPT has been completed and used by all islands, lighthouse and follower islands (Marie Galante, Psara, Menorca and Nordeney) for the creation of actions plans towards decarbonisation and greater renewable penetration.

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

There were 7 prototype systems developed and tested in the project, including: 2 different V2G chargers from different partners; the charging management system for centralised control and dispatch of smart charging and V2G assets; a prototype reconfigurable battery (from an external partner) and its use in a DC microgrid with no power electronics and 2 super-fast chargers; a prototype adhoc BESS for grid support; an integrated BESS and PV with desalination system; and a digital system for collection and use of a range of data with various functionalities for different stakeholders, from users in energy communities to higher level integrated management of energy and other resources.
The IPT software was developed and extensively tested and improved throughout the project timeline with real outcomes in terms of action plans for all involved islands.
The know how and prototypes from the activities have been or will be commercialised in the short term and further developed according to changing market needs.
Ongoing dissemination has sought to bring attention to the developments of the project at a local and European level in forums from local stakeholder or islander events up to national and on to European level such as the Clean energy for EU islands forum. There has been strong engagement with the project and its outcomes.
The scientific output from the project is also very significant with over 20 papers across the lighthouse island demonstrators and a number of PhD students having completed their studies carrying out the project activities.

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)

The results are directed at decarbonisation and multi-faceted improvement of island energy systems; and a framework for replication of the technological solutions through the IPT.

Specific results are outlined below.

On Unije
Dramatically increased solar energy proportion through a PV plant and battery storage which will come online after the project but should allow Unije to be close to fully renewable.
Decreased curtailment of renewables and improved efficiency in desalination operations by combined water and energy system management.
Peak demand reduction due to widespread smart demand side management and integrated utilities management. The developments with the recent change in Croatian regulations will allow creation of energy communities.

On Bornholm
Improved renewable energy grid efficiency and easier more cost effective introduction of super-fast charging by introduction of a DC micro grid to allow: more self consumption, system arbitrage with the grid, super-fast charging with grid connection upgrades, and less grid side effects due to the systems better local functioning. There is a clear economic case for these systems in specific circumstances.
Increased use of waste and sustainable biomass energy sources for district heating, electricity production and advanced and upgraded biofuel and e-fuel production for transport. Studies of the capacity of renewable energy sources (such as wind generators or biogas plants) to respond to grid needs. Study of the capacity for upgrade of biogas plants to other uses such as electrolytes and synergies with existing biogas production.
In hard to electrify sectors such as the large ferries crossing to Bornholm demand for fuels (hydrogen, biogas, or results of chemical processes using both) required for carbon neutrality will create a large market outstripping capacity of smaller biogas operators on the island. Though they could be economically viable with upgrades even though not meeting full island need.

In Madeira
Increased penetration of electric vehicles by expanding charging infrastructure while limiting undesirable grid effects (such as drastically higher peak demand) through smart and V2G charging.
Increased allowable penetration of renewable production and improved power quality by using electric vehicle batteries to provide grid services and grid energy storage through special charging stations and market initiatives. Also means lower investment in renewable and storage capacity.
Improved power quality by use of a battery system and power electronics allowing increased penetration of renewable production and an alternative to local grid upgrades.

From the IPT and related replication efforts.
Framework for replication of success in other islands through the IPT software; which has produced viable action plans for all involved islands in the project focussing on a user friendly tool that has greater accessibility to island stakeholders and is focussed on islands unique characteristics.
Replication with the IPT has already gone beyond only the follower islands with other Croatian and Greek islands having used or been introduced to the tool, and many dissemination events given in other forums, such as with related EU projects dealing with islands.

All these outcomes can be implemented while empowering island stakeholders with solutions that respond to social and economic needs and not just decarbonisation. For example local generation reduces the high energy costs of island life, smart systems can allow better comfort in homes while reducing demand, or on the environmental side reducing pollution from fossil fuels improves the environment for locals and tourists alike

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