Modern distribution grids are facing important challenges such that the need to integrate massive amounts of renewables and storage in the low and medium voltage distribution grid, enhance the usage of distribution networks to avoid construction of new lines, connect several loads at different voltage levels supplied with alternating or direct current (AC or DC). In order to address the challenges described, iPLUG proposes the development of novel power electronics solutions based on multiport converters in order to enhance the integration of multiple renewable sources, energy storage systems and loads. The proposed converters, installed in several optimal locations, can facilitate a massive integration of renewable avoiding grid congestion and allowing the provision of functionalities to both the end-users and the distribution grid. The project studies both system-level aspects and detailed power electronics innovative solutions for low and medium-voltage applications. iPLUG is organized in six work packages. The system design is addressed, including concept definition, specification, sizing and location optimization. Multiport power converters and their inner control are designed and validated experimentally in the laboratory. The overall system control is also proposed, considering the usage of multiple multiport converters in several use cases and validation the concepts in the lab. Technical, economic, social and environmental impact analysis is conducted. The project consortium is formed by a core of five research institutions, supported by relevant companies which provide key requirements and case studies and analyse the project results.

EU countries have drawn up strategies reflected in their National Energy Efficiency Action Plans that include provision of an overview of the country's national building stock, identification of key policies that the country intends to use to stimulate renovations and provision of an estimate of the expected energy savings that will result from renovations. Despite the increase in the use of energy and the evident environmental benefits of having more share of renewable energy sources (RES) in buildings, the adoption of both energy efficiency measures and RES is highly influenced by its cost and the impact on occupants’ comfort. The real implementation of actions to reduce energy consumption in buildings is confronted with the complexity of managing their internal energy systems, the overall target of cost savings and the respect of the levels of comfort expected by the buildings occupants. The BIGG project aims at demonstrating the application of big data technologies and data analytic techniques for the complete buildings life-cycle of more than 4000 buildings in 6 large-scale pilot test-beds, achieved by: 1) The Open Source BIGG Data Reference Architecture 4 Buildings for collection/funneling, processing and exchanging data from different sources (smart-meters, sensors, BMS, existing data sets); 2) An interoperable buildings data specification, BIGG Standard Data Model 4 Buildings, based on the combination of elements from existing frameworks and EC directives, such as SAREF, INSPIRE, BIM, EPCHub that will be enhanced to reach full interoperability of building data; 3) An extensible, open, cloud-based BIGG Data Analytics Toolbox of service modules for batch and real-time analytics that supports a wide range of services, new business models and support reliable and effective policy-making. These solutions will be deployed and tested cross pilot and country validation of at least two business scenarios in Spain and Greece.

AGISTIN will enable industrial grid users to rapidly deploy renewables through advanced integration of innovative energy storage technologies at the interface with the grid. Rapid decarbonisation of industry through electrification, the growth of renewables, and the need for grid stability present a unique opportunity for new forms storage of storage and integration schemes to emerge. The main objectives in the project are to develop new forms of energy storage that meet grid needs for short-duration flexibility and stability, reduce the impact of new, large demand on the grid, and reduce costs for large grid users through innovative storage integration. This project will exceed the state of the art for aqueous batteries, use of irrigation systems as energy storage, grid interface designs and provision of advanced grid services from large load users. Two demonstrations and three test activities centered around renewable hydrogen electrolysis, irrigation pumping, and fast EV charging are used to demonstrate advanced concepts for energy storage, grid integration and grid users. AGISTIN results in reduced grid connection for industrial grid users, reducing H2 production cost by 10% and improved grid stability through advanced grid services, that enable grids to run with 100% renewables. The innovative storage technologies directly addressed in the project include aqueous electrochemical recuperators, with properties between super capacitors and batteries, use of irrigation systems as energy storage and aluminum ion batteries. These technologies will be developed to test and demonstrate in the target use cases, resulting in TRL level increases for each. The consortium consists of members from 9 countries and across the value chain best able to exploit project results, including; storage and power electronics providers, industrial grid users, a grid operator, a engineering consultancy, research institutes, universities and an energy storage association.