Control and operation tools for a RES-based energy system

Expected Outcome:Project results are expected to contribute to all the following expected outcomes:

• Improved preparedness of the electricity system to support the EU's binding target for 2030 of minimum 42.5% renewables in gross final energy consumption, with the aspiration to reach 45%;
• Grid operators employ improved tools for forecasting energy generation from renewable sources and energy demand;
• Grid operators employ innovative energy management systems and technologies for smart grids to operate efficiently the integration of RES at various voltage levels;
• Transmission and distribution system operators develop better capacity for exploiting system flexibility and accessing services for demand response and energy storage;
• System operators develop structured mechanisms to cooperate with energy suppliers and service providers when required by grid conditions;
• Transmission and distribution system operators cooperate and develop mechanisms to reduce system risks associated with increased fluctuating generation.

Scope:Projects are expected to:

• Design and test innovative technologies, processes, and control mechanisms for the seamless integration of massive volumes of renewable energy sources (RES) at distribution and transmission levels. The solutions are expected to incorporate both hardware and software aspects;
• Address network constraints and increase flexibility capabilities of grids, through advanced operation and control mechanisms and tools, for improving the overall grid performance and the efficiency of RES uptake;
• Ensure effective coordination between transmission and distribution levels of the electricity grids, for the integration of massive volumes of RES at multiple voltage levels, maintaining grid stability and overall preparing for a RES-based energy system.

The demonstration, test and validation of the activities should be carried out in at least two pilots in different EU Member States and Associated Countries.

Proposals should demonstrate a clear understanding of the challenges and opportunities associated with integrating renewable energy sources into the existing energy system. Building on this, they should demonstrate a comprehensive approach for developing and testing advanced technologies and control mechanisms that can effectively address these challenges, while capitalising on solutions for digitalising the energy system.

In addition, projects should propose a set of best practices and recommendations on the effective uptake of increased shares of renewables. This should be suitable for a level of renewables in the electricity system that would allow reaching the EU's binding renewable target for 2030 of minimum of 42.5% (with the aspiration to reach 45%).

Projects are expected to include at least two electricity transmission system operators (TSOs) and four distribution system operators (DSOs), which could be distributed among the pilots of a particular project.

Additionally, collaboration is encouraged with the following entities:

• at least three suppliers of energy from renewable sources, out of which at least two should supply energy from non-dispatchable energy sources. The supply covered by the project should include both wind and solar energy sources;
• at least two providers of energy services for the grids (e.g., aggregation of energy supply and/or energy demand, energy storage).

This collaboration (minimum number of entities) is sought per project in total and does not necessarily apply per each pilot in particular.

Selected projects are expected to contribute to the BRIDGE initiative[1] and actively participate in its activities.

[1] https://bridge-smart-grid-storage-systems-digital-projects.ec.europa.eu/