Strong efforts would be required to drastically reduce the fossil dependency and the CO2 emissions reductions in the transport sector, in line with the 2011 White paper on Transport – i.e. a 20% reduction in the CO2 emissions by 2030 (relative to 2008 levels) and a 60% reduction by 2050 (relative to 1990 levels). Electrification of the transport sector offers EU the opportunity to achieve these long-term targets. The larger automotive industry has recognized the potential of electric vehicles (EVs) and there are large strides planned in building electric charging infrastructure – as announced by E.ON and Ionity about their investment plans for ultra-fast charging infrastructure. Right now, there’s no EV that can accept this charge rate, but several automakers are working on electric cars able to accept that kind of power. SELFIE makes its biggest impact here, ensuring that the EVs, in the not so distant future, are able to accept this high charge rate without reduction on battery lifetime, and to store the energy efficiently in their batteries with minimal losses. The overall objective is to develop and demonstrate a novel self-sustained compact battery system, consisting of: - A smart modular battery pack, which has excellent internal thermal conductivity properties, a refrigerant cooling system and thermal storage system (heat buffer) capable to absorb excess heat due to fast charging, and which is thoroughly insulated from the outside; - An advanced battery thermal management system capable to keep the battery temperature effectively within the optimal window and to prevent overheating (and battery degradation) due to fast charging. SELFIE will significantly increase user acceptance of EVs by enabling fast-charging; offering significant cost reductions and elimination of range anxiety compared to other propulsion technologies.

HAVEN features a systematic, collaborative, and integrated approach to the design and demonstration of a cutting-edge, sustainable, and safe HESS capable of long duration storage and provision of multiple services for supporting the electrical grid and EV charging infrastructure by coupling complementary technology assets, namely, next-generation high-energy (HE) and high-power (HP) storage technologies, optimised power converter devices with innovative cognitive functionalities, advanced and cyber-secured energy management and control tools and strategies in a novel system architecture. HAVEN seeks to achieve a modular, scalable and cost-efficient solution with the capability to efficiently manage power and energy shares while optimising the system in terms of sizing, CAPEX/OPEX, aging stress and store degradation depending on the specific application. In addition, the project will go a step further by developing a flexible Digital Twin (DT) of the system, valid regardless of the cell chemistry and application and adaptable for second life battery modules, that enables to predict the performance and management of the system over its lifetime, while easing its design and predictive maintenance. All this, leveraged by the first-hand experience of leading academic and industrial players (7 companies). HAVEN’s smart solution will be validated and demonstrated up to TRL 7 in 3 physical and 2 virtual Use-Cases (UCs), covering a wide range of grid support services and considering the specificities of multiple electricity and balancing markets, both in Europe and beyond. To pave the path towards a fast market uptake after the project, the work will also include the development of business models and industrial exploitation strategies, cementing HAVEN’s position as a game-changer in the field of energy storage systems.

The overall objective of SEABAT is to develop a full-electric maritime hybrid concept based on (1) combining modular high-energy batteries and high-power batteries, (2) novel converter concepts and (3) production technology solutions derived from the automotive sector. A modular approach will reduce component costs (battery, convertor) so that unique ship designs can profit from economies of scale by using standardised low-cost modular components. The concept is suitable for future battery generations and high-power components that may have higher power densities or are based on different chemistries. Expected results: optimal full-electric hybrid modular solution, minimising the battery footprint and reducing the oversizing (from up to 10 times down to max. 2 times). Validating as a 300 kWh system (full battery system test) at TRL 5, and virtually validating the solution for batteries of 1 MWh and above, using 300 kWh system P-HiL tests. The result will be a validated hybrid battery solution for capacities of 1 MWh and beyond, a roadmap for type approval and a strategy towards standardisation for (among others) ferries and short sea shipping. The solution will deliver a 35-50% lower total cost of ownership (TCO) of maritime battery systems, including 15-30% lower CAPEX investment, 50% lower costs of integration at the shipyard and a 5% investment cost recuperation after the useful life in the vessel. The SEABAT consortium unites all the necessary expertise for developing the hybrid topology and implementing it in the industry. The market pick-up of the SEABAT solution is maximised by having 20 shipbuilders and integrators in the consortium; they are represented by the SOERMAR association. The stakeholder group, in which end users and port authorities are represented, supports the wide adoption of the SEABAT solution in the European maritime market, and the increase in European skills base in large battery technology and manufacturing processes.

As a significant source of greenhouse gasses (GHGs), it is essential that the maritime transport sector focuses on ways to become climate neutral. Partial electrification of power systems has already been adopted as a GHG reduction measure. However, further advances are necessary on such aspects as the provision of high charging powers to minimise costs and improve standardisation. In this context, HYPOBATT will be focused on the development of an interoperable charging solution with a cost-competitive performance. HYPOBATT will deliver a modular, fast, and easy multi-MW recharging system demonstrated in two European ports with fast turnaround times. The project will assess the end-to-end services between both ports, and compatibility with other ports. A modular approach on electrical and mechanical integration will minimize the required connection time, the charging time, land from port side and the number of components and costs. The charging system will be designed to achieve interoperability and compatibility with different electric ships, grid constraints, components, modularity, logistic and handling, monitoring and safety systems, power flow, maintenance, digitalization/automation, cybersecurity, and human element aspects. The standardization of the charging modules, the interfaces, and the communication protocol, will scale up the charger based on and on/offshore sides; flexibility of power levels will be addressed and the impacts on the electrical grid infrastructure and on the battery degradation during fast charging will be minimized. HYPOBATT unites key actors from the European maritime sector to develop and demonstrate the charging system. A key element is to develop business mechanisms to exploit the flexibility of the charging system amongst shipbuilders, integrators, ports and stakeholders. This will enable the wide adoption of the solution, thus increasing Europe’s lead in fast charging systems.