System approach for grid planning and upgrade

Project results are expected to contribute of the following expected outcomes:

• AI-based prediction of most convenient locations that optimize grid resources and upgrades around recharging pools for EVs and electric HDVs.
• Developing of spatial mapping models and software tool for location decision-making with a comprehensive focus, including major highways, industrial zones (depot charging), urban nodes (e.g., for overnight charging) and less-densely populated areas.
• Simulation, analysis, design, test and demonstration of smart and bidirectional charging schemes and their integration into flexibility markets that allow to minimise the impact on grid planning and connection of high-power recharging pools for recharging EVs, and especially HDVs on more cost-intensive locations, and that ensure benefits to consumers based on smart charging energy service models.
• Exploration of the impact of different charging methods, including cable-charging, wireless charging and electric road systems covering either catenary as inductive coils embedded in the road.
• Analysis, design, testing and developing of a cyber security model that can simulate and accurately represent attack propagation from recharging infrastructure entry vectors, informing the development of efficient strategies and lines of defence to mitigate these vulnerabilities for the different relevant stakeholders.

The activities are expected to include at least the following aspects:

• Definition and development of new AI-based tools to predict, estimate and plan the deployment and associated challenge for utilities (from an EV recharging ecosystem viewpoint – CPO, DSO and TSO) on how to deal with the increasing upcoming demand in numerous new locations, particularly during peak periods.
• Understanding on how to effectively deploy the required grid connection (and power) in less densely populated areas, exploring the impact of installation of batteries to expand the grid in combination with renewables.
• Development of a coherent energy system planning for electric mobility, considering both the needs and impact for recharging of EVs and onshore power supply of vessels in maritime ports and inland waterways.
• Development of new services for consumers (EV and HDV owners, leasers, etc.) based on smart charging that valorise the flexibility in the wholesale, home optimisation and/or grid services markets. Integration of smart charging services with flexibility from other devices (e.g. demand response) would be an added value for the project.
• There is an increasing risk for the occurrence of a scenario where EVs and/or recharging stations could be hacked simultaneously, causing a disruption to grid operations, propagating rapidly with dire consequences, such as blackouts and overall affection of the frequency stability of the grid. The project should bridge the gap between recharging infrastructure operators, EVs and the grid (DSOs, TSOs), identify existing weaknesses and risks for attack spread.
• The developed solutions should assess their environmental impact in particular with regards to their energy consumption.

The selected projects are expected to contribute to the BRIDGE initiative^[1], actively participate to its activities and allocate up to 2% of their budgets to that end. Additional contributions to the ‘Alliance for Internet of Things Innovation’ (AIOTI) and other relevant activities (e.g. clusters of digital projects and coordinating actions) might be considered, when relevant.

Destination

Sustainable, secure and competitive energy supply (2023/24)

This Destination includes activities targeting a sustainable, secure and competitive energy supply. In line with the scope of cluster 5, this includes activities in the areas of renewable energy; energy system, grids and storage; as well as Carbon Capture, Utilisation and Storage (CCUS).

The transition of the energy system will rely on reducing the overall energy demand and making the energy supply side climate neutral, in current and future climate conditions. R&I actions will help to make the energy supply side cleaner, more secure, and competitive by boosting cost performance and reliability of a broad portfolio of renewable energy solutions, in line with societal needs and preferences. Furthermore, R&I activities will underpin the modernisation of the energy networks to support energy system integration, including the progressive electrification of demand side sectors (buildings, mobility, industry) and integration of other climate neutral, renewable energy carriers, such as clean hydrogen. Innovative energy storage solutions (including chemical, mechanical, electrical and thermal storage) are a key element of such energy system and R&I actions will advance their technological readiness for industrial-scale and domestic applications. Carbon Capture, Utilisation and Storage (CCUS) is a CO₂ emission abatement option that holds great potential and R&I actions will accelerate the development of CCUS in electricity generation and industry applications.

This destination contributes to the activities of the Strategic Energy Technology Plan (SET Plan) and its implementation working groups.

This Destination contributes to the following Strategic Plan’s Key Strategic Orientations (KSO):

• C: Making Europe the first digitally enabled circular, climate-neutral and sustainable economy through the transformation of its mobility, energy, construction and production systems;
• A: Promoting an open strategic autonomy[[ ‘Open strategic autonomy’ refers to the term ‘strategic autonomy while preserving an open economy’, as reflected in the conclusions of the European Council 1 – 2 October 2020.]] by leading the development of key digital, enabling and emerging technologies, sectors and value chains to accelerate and steer the digital and green transitions through human-centred technologies and innovations;

It covers the following impact areas:

• Industrial leadership in key and emerging technologies that work for people;
• Affordable and clean energy.

The expected impact, in line with the Strategic Plan, is to contribute to “More efficient, clean, sustainable, secure and competitive energy supply through new solutions for smart grids and energy systems based on more performant renewable energy solutions”, notably through

1. Fostering European global leadership in affordable, secure and sustainable renewable energy technologies and services by improving their competitiveness in global value chains and their position in growth markets, notably through the diversification of the renewable services and technology portfolio (more detailed information below).
2. Ensuring cost-effective uninterrupted and affordable supply of energy to households and industries in a scenario of high penetration of variable renewables and other new low carbon energy supply. This includes more efficient approaches to managing smart and cyber-secure energy grids and optimisation the interaction between producers, consumers, networks, infrastructures and vectors (more detailed information below).
3. Accelerating the development of Carbon Capture, Use and Storage (CCUS) as a CO₂ emission mitigation option in electricity generation and industry applications (including also conversion of CO₂ to products) (more detailed information below).