In the context of the energy transition, the interest for thermoelectric generators (TEG) is increasing, as they are able to tap into renewable or waste heat sources with very low impact. So far, wide-scale applicability of TE devices was limited by their low conversion efficiency, typically 5% at system level at the most. STARTREC will develop and evaluate a new generation of TEG based on the optimal combination of nanostructured Si85Ge15 thermoelectric materials with innovative device architectures designed by simulation: 1) Three different materials processing routes using nanostructuration to increase material performances: Additive Manufacturing (AM); Nanostructured Rapid Casting (Nano-RC); Optimized Rapid Casting (O-RC); 2) Innovative device architectures, such as complex forms and cascade architectures, which can considerably improve both their performance and their optimal temperature ranges, and so increase their efficiencies and potential for wider applications. STARTREC aims at doubling TEG efficiencies up to 10% at system level (15% at device level). It will demonstrate their high-performances in relevant environments at TRL5 for three different and complementary high impact use cases (industrial, domestic and space). Technical work will be completed by dedicated life cycle studies to address economic and environmental issues for these TEGs. A strong dissemination and exploitation strategy and novel circular business models will allow the developed solution to open new application opportunities in other sectors. With TEGs produced and commercialized by European industrial leaders, reinforcing EU strategic autonomy in renewable energy technologies, STARTREC has a complete value-chain with two RTOs, two universities, one technological SME and three industrial end-users. STARTREC will serve a global TEG market valued at 447.1 million in 2020 and forecasted to reach 1365.8 million by 2030.

SNETP, the Sustainable Nuclear Energy Technology Platform, was confirmed in 2013 as one of the EC’s officially recognised European Technology Platforms, the only one in the nuclear fission sector. The SPRINT project aims at supporting SNETP in its roadmapping, networking, dissemination and communication activities. The essential purpose of the SPRINT proposal, in particular, is to support SNETP in the elaboration and wide adoption and use of its strategic roadmaps, as well as in strengthening its visibility and interactions with its members and external stakeholders. The project sets out four specific objectives: ensuring an inclusive and efficient process for producing strategic roadmaps; improving the ‘value proposal’ of SNETP for the fission R&D community in Europe; confirming SNETP as a key player within the international energy technology landscape; and enhancing the visibility and dialogue of SNETP towards a wider audience. Focusing on “value creation” and visibility for the Platform, SPRINT will pursue some of the activities initialised through the Euratom FP7 “SNETP-Office” and “SMILE” projects. SPRINT will support the platform, groups and members, with the development and dissemination of main strategic documents (i.a., the Deployment Strategy and the Strategic Research and Innovation Agenda). SPRINT will also strengthen and improve the interactions between its pillars/activities and will increase SNETP’s interactions with stakeholders (EU institutions and initiatives, international agencies, other platforms). Finally, SPRINT will propose new added value services to its members and will strengthen SNETP visibility by participating in major international events and updating its communication tools.

TABEDE aims to allow all buildings equipped with Building Energy Management Systems to integrate energy grid demand response schemes, overcoming limitations linked to missing interoperability, at reducedcost. For that purpose, TABEDE will allow connection of all dispatchable loads to the Building Energy System through a dedicated TABEDE interface, whatever the communication protocol. A dedicated smart grid communication protocol translator will be provided to ease the acceptance of the TABEDE system as well as a database of dispatchable load drivers. Moreover, in order to improve building efficiency, novel building energy management strategies will be proposed, in terms of electric load and thermal management, adapting to the evolving environment, as well as building continuous monitoring. TABEDE solution will be demonstrated and assessed through extensive simulation-based testing. The proposed solutions will be deployed on three test sites (residential and tertiary) that are representative of EU building stocks and conditions.

Implementing ambitious local climate action plans is paramount in the fight against climate change. Moreover, the sheer aggregated investment volume contained in these plans holds the promise of a powerful longlasting economic recovery. Unfortunately, the lack of a comprehensive funding solution undermines the realisation of these plans. FALCO addresses this problem by developing a financing solution for ambitious local climate plans of over 180 Flemish signatories to the Covenant of Mayors (“FLC Solution”). This solution builds on the results of several previous projects, integrates state of the art knowledge on sustainable energy financing, and was tested at the conceptual level. Unlike other solutions, the FLC solution 1) looks at the climate action plans as a whole (potential for piggybacking) instead of adopting a project-per-project view (risk of cherry picking); 2) focuses on lifting financial and non-financial investment barriers; and 3) uses private capital instead of public budgets for its financing operations. In addition, FALCO will develop accompanying (policy) measures that will induce demand for investments. FALCO is designed as a scalable pilot that allows real-life testing of the FLC solution. FALCO will: • Develop the theoretical FLC solution into a fully operational financial solution (WP2); • Develop a project portfolio (ca. 50 mio €) w.r.t. energy efficiency in SMEs and energy renovation of public and private buildings (WP3); • Have an independent party due diligence validate the proposed financial solution and project portfolio (WP4); • Contract investments for at ca. 17.6 mio € resulting in an estimated 27.7 GWh primary energy savings and the creation of 250 sustainable jobs (WP5); • Monitor the investments and document lessons learnt (WP6); • Disseminate the results in Flanders and in the EU, investigate its replication in other EU member states /regions (WP7).

The use of different and optimally combined transport modes in a seamless way is one of the key challenges to achieve greater sustainability in smart cities transport systems. Each mode of transport has its own advantages and satisfies different mobility purposes and needs. The core of new electrified microvehicle concept is to combine design and user needs for an easier usage within traditional transportation modes (e.g. public transport) in both urban and suburban areas. The project aims at finalizing and testing a safer and modular electric kick scooter (e-KS) for personal urban and suburban mobility. It presents 2 main innovation levels: on the vehicle side with the development of new features in term of modularity, foldability and improved safety; on the systemic side, the consortium will study and present (a) new business model(s) for a win-win situation for all stakeholders. The consortium relies on the extensive experience of consortium partners, on key learnings of on-going projects (e.g. H2020 STARS, CIVITAS Eccentric, IMOVE, STEVE, EU-LIVE), main partner core business (Bumpair for safety, Elaphe & Domel for in-wheel motor and motor controls) and on the inputs from an Advisory Group within the project that will involve representatives from mobility managers, local and city administrators and standardization and certification bodies. Once users’ needs have been identified and analysed, DREEM aims to test a 3-wheel electric kick scooter in three (3) different pilot cases. Dissemination of key mobility patterns and best practices will be part of the project. While starting with vehicle design and vehicle architecture, the proposal will also explore the feasibility of innovative business models and circular economy.