Periodic Reporting for period 3 - ISLANDER (Accelerating the decarbonisation of islands’ energy systems)
Reporting period: 2023-10-01 to 2024-09-30
The increase in electricity prices together with the increase in greenhouse gas emissions is motivating society to take actions that are in line with the use of renewable energy systems. This step poses an additional problem for the inhabitants of an island. The reason lies in the fact that their lack of land connection makes access to energy difficult. The ISLANDER project aims to provide a solution to this problem by providing an island with the necessary infrastructure to become self-sufficient and reduce its carbon footprint at the same time. As a result of this implementation, the self-management of the island would be increased, reducing its energy dependence on the mainland or other nearby territory.
In order to achieve this milestone, its main objective is to develop a smart grid solution for energy management in isolated areas in order to help cover the energy consumption. This goal is divided into different areas of development. The first is the calculation of the optimal design of the necessary infrastructure based on the needs and conditions of the island, through mathematical models and historical consumption data. Second, is the development and digitization of all energy assets. Defining the best location and communication protocols for each of them. Finally, is the creation of a Smart IT platform that allows the monitoring and control of all devices based on predictive models using artificial intelligence.
In order to achieve this milestone, its main objective is to develop a smart grid solution for energy management in isolated areas in order to help cover the energy consumption. This goal is divided into different areas of development. The first is the calculation of the optimal design of the necessary infrastructure based on the needs and conditions of the island, through mathematical models and historical consumption data. Second, is the development and digitization of all energy assets. Defining the best location and communication protocols for each of them. Finally, is the creation of a Smart IT platform that allows the monitoring and control of all devices based on predictive models using artificial intelligence.
Throughout the ISLANDER project, partners collaboratively pursued the obligations outlined in the Grant Agreement (GA). Technical compatibility issues on Borkum Island led to the preparation of Amendment No. AMD-957669-8. In spite of this, the project has been progressing in all the activities and milestones set. A comprehensive overview of the progress made across all Work Packages (WPs) from Month 37 to Month 48 are included below. WP1 - Optimal holistic design of the energy system: The 6 tasks that make up this work package lay the necessary foundations to be able to integrate, monitor and act on all the installations to be deployed on the island of Borkum. During the previous Reporting Period. In this Reporting Period the remaining task (T1.6) was finished. WP2 - Large-scale deployment of the DER+HES solutions: This WP describes the deployment of numerous systems that need to be integrated into the existing energy system on the island of Borkum. During the RP3, the effort was placed on resolving the different bottlenecks and open questions for each of the systems so that they could be finally deployed in Borkum. In relation to this, a new time planning for each of them was elaborated to carry out the work and agreed upon. WP3 - Digitalisation of the energy system: This WP focuses on the integration of the devices installed on the island of Borkum with the smart IT platform. Progress has been significant in integrating homes, buildings, electric vehicle chargers (both V1G and V2G), street lighting system and Hydrogen system. WP6 - Demonstration and validation: WP6 has made little progress during RP3. This was mainly due to delays in the installation and commissioning of all facilities on the island. As these tasks, which fall under WP2, have not been completed, it has not been possible to carry out the validation and integration demonstration of each of the energy assets. Although Task 6.1 was partially completed in the previous RP, the rest could not be started. WP7 - Creation of a Renewable Energy Community in Borkum: In RP3, efforts centered on Task 7.3 titled “Citizen Engagement Process.” Multiple citizen engagement workshops were organized on the island of Borkum to educate residents about the concept and benefits of establishing an energy community. The milestone “M7.1: Kick-off meeting of the engagement process held in Borkum” was achieved with the first workshop conducted on November 4, 2023. Following the workshops, monthly meetings were held with interested citizens to facilitate the foundation process of the energy community. These meetings also aimed to identify an initial pilot project and develop a business plan. Once the energy community is fully established, all lessons learned from this process will be documented in Deliverable D7.4. WP8 - Replication of project results: This work package focusses on the replication of the ISLANDER project and activities on Borkum to other European follower islands and archipelagos. During this reporting period the focus has been aimed towards Task 8.3 several meetings were arranged in order to develop a replication plan to adapt islander solutions to our follower Islands. This work has resulted in a first wave replication methodology being completed, in which outcomes form WP1-5&7 have been readily considered. Furthermore, WP8 partners have enrolled again in 2023/24 BRIDGE initiative. Initial meetings have been held to establish a replication plan (Task 8.4 Second wave replication: Follower archipelagos) with the project partners involved in this work packages, which are representing different follower islands. It is envisaged that Task 8.3 will be developed with the flexibility necessary to be easily applied in the following second and third replication phases, which is also keeping with the nature of replicability. Therefore, Tasks 8.4-6 have not yet started; as these tasks are based on ISLANDER project results and the first wave replication plan. This is in line with the Grant Agreement.
WP9 - Exploitation, dissemination and communication: The activities performed in this work package were built on the communication, dissemination, and exploitation plan (D9.3). The plan was updated in M39 and M48. The following points summarize the work carried-out during this last period: An exploitation workshop refining the exploitable results was conducted. Several one-on-one meeting with the responsible partner were held to further characterise the exploitable results. Technology watches for different results were conducted in order to guide further exploitation steps. Updates of D9.3 – communication and dissemination plans, were submitted in M39 and M48. The ISLANDER short video (D9.5) was finalised. Continuous updates and news were posted on social media and the website. Additionally, one newsletter and one press release were published. A list of possible publication topics was updated within D9.3.
WP10 - Project management: AYESA as a project coordinator, have been carrying out the different managerial activities: Monitoring and steering project implementation, addressing and proposing solutions to blocking point to avoid delays in the tasks which are in the critical path of the project.
WP9 - Exploitation, dissemination and communication: The activities performed in this work package were built on the communication, dissemination, and exploitation plan (D9.3). The plan was updated in M39 and M48. The following points summarize the work carried-out during this last period: An exploitation workshop refining the exploitable results was conducted. Several one-on-one meeting with the responsible partner were held to further characterise the exploitable results. Technology watches for different results were conducted in order to guide further exploitation steps. Updates of D9.3 – communication and dissemination plans, were submitted in M39 and M48. The ISLANDER short video (D9.5) was finalised. Continuous updates and news were posted on social media and the website. Additionally, one newsletter and one press release were published. A list of possible publication topics was updated within D9.3.
WP10 - Project management: AYESA as a project coordinator, have been carrying out the different managerial activities: Monitoring and steering project implementation, addressing and proposing solutions to blocking point to avoid delays in the tasks which are in the critical path of the project.
The ISLANDER Project aims to provide several energy services to the island of Borkum. The main ones are Demand Response, generation of energy through renewable sources and improvement in the sustainability of the transportation service. This will allow the island to move closer to its goal of being self-sufficient by 2030, reduce its carbon footprint and reduce the price of the electricity bill for both the government and the inhabitants. Once the project is completed, its results will greatly benefit the society of Borkum and the rest of the islands that want to continue with this philosophy of work and make this territory a more livable place for its citizens.