Celebrating Progress: OPENTUNITY Project's 1st Review Meeting in Lugano
Celebrating Progress: OPENTUNITY Project's 1st Review Meeting in Lugano
10/06/2024
Last week, the OPENTUNITY project consortium gathered in Lugano, Switzerland, for a significant milestone: their 1st Review Meeting with the European Commission. Hosted by the University of Applied Sciences and Arts of Southern Switzerland and Azienda Elettrica di Massagno (AEM) SA, the meeting was an opportunity to showcase their progress over the past 16 months.
The consortium was delighted to present the strides made in their innovations across the four pilot sites. During the meeting, consortium members and European Commission representatives visited the Arena Innovation Community, a more advanced energy community than the Motta District, where OPENTUNITY innovations will be tested. This visit highlighted several key innovations, including the V2G charging station linked to the local car-sharing service, which demonstrated their advancements in vehicle-to-grid technology. Additionally, the biomass-powered district heating system showcased sustainable heating solutions within the community, while the high voltage substation, connecting to the 15 kV network, ensured efficient energy distribution. Various photovoltaic (PV) systems within the energy communities underscored their commitment to renewable energy.
This review meeting was crucial not only for presenting their achievements but also for receiving valuable feedback from the European Commission. This input will be instrumental in guiding their efforts to implement improvements and achieve the excellence they strive for in the OPENTUNITY project.
OPENTUNITY innovations at the EUSEW 2024
OPENTUNITY innovations at the EUSEW 2024
03/06/2024
The OPENTUNITY project will participate in the Energy Fair of the European Sustainable Energy Week (EUSEW 2024) in Brussels from June 11th to 13th. Visitors can meet the OPENTUNITY team and learn about their innovations at booth C-28, located on the ground floor of the Charlemagne building. The stand will be hosted by ETRA, the project coordinator, on the morning of June 11th.
The OPENTUNITY innovations aim to revolutionise the energy sector by fostering a digital ecosystem that enhances energy efficiency in electricity grids, benefiting active consumers of all scales while significantly reducing energy costs.
Visitors can explore OPENFLEX, a technology designed for prosumers, and discover how the project’s partners have defined the flexibility market conditions for each pilot where these markets will be tested. Currently, they are working on allowing flexibility optimization algorithms to be tailored to specific market conditions.
Additionally, visitors can learn about OPENGRID, a solution for grid operators. They can see how technical developers, DSOs, and TSOs are collaborating to process the data provided by grid operators. This preprocessing is essential for developing OPENTUNITY innovations and training certain models.
See you there!
OPENTUNITY Strategy for the development of the standardization activities
OPENTUNITY Strategy for the development of the standardization activities
17/05/2024
Following an in-depth analysis of the standardization landscape and socioeconomic backdrop, the OPENTUNITY partners uncovered several European and international technical committees, along with existing and emerging standards, that align closely with the objectives of various project work packages. Recognising this synergy, proactive measures were implemented to engage with the standardization system. These actions aim not only to disseminate project findings effectively but also to actively contribute to ongoing and forthcoming standards initiatives, thereby fostering collaboration and promoting the project’s impact across diverse domains.
Therefore, partners, led by UNE, have been working on a strategy for the development of the standardization activities document, which specifies an action plan for the next tasks involving communication with technical standardization bodies and contributions to standardization. At this moment, the first version of this strategy has been defined, and it will be updated accordingly, as the project progresses.
This strategy has been developed by UNE with feedback from OPENTUNITY partners. Together, they identify possible standardization gaps that could be addressed with the results of the OPENTUNITY project. The purpose of this strategy is to provide partners with a clear idea of the next steps and ensure the most effective possible contribution of the project results to new or future standards.
This strategy includes:
– Key Technical Committees to interact with and information about them.
– Next steps, including the follow-up of the activity of relevant committees and the involvement of partners in disseminating the project in these committees.
– Possible ways to contribute to standardization.
The main objective of the standardization activities in OPENTUNITY is to facilitate the market acceptance of the results by transferring these results and findings to standards that have a wide recognition in the market.
Communication will be established between the OPENTUNITY project, and the key committees identified by the partners, disseminating the project, and obtaining valuable feedback. Additionally, OPENTUNITY will be able to contribute to the activity of these committees and European/international standardization with its results.
As part of the contribution to standardization tasks of OPENTUNITY, UNE plans to collaborate with other standardization bodies, such as the European Standardization Organizations (ESOs) and their Technical Committees and Subcommittees. The goal of the project is to decarbonize EU grids, and CEN/CLC Workshop Agreements are usually the most suitable way to contribute to standardization in this kind of projects. Nevertheless, ISO/IEC (International Standardization Organizations) committees and the Connectivity Standards Alliance are also listed among the suggested committees to be considered.
Integration of Avantcar’s EV charging stations and Amibit’s HEMS devices with Kolektor sETup’s aggregator platform
Integration of Avantcar’s EV charging stations and Amibit’s HEMS devices with Kolektor sETup’s aggregator platform
10/05/2024
Kolektor sETup’s is an independent aggregator specialising in the optimisation of flexibility asset portfolios and the provision of ancillary services to Slovenian DSOs and a TSO. A primary focus of Kolektor sETup’s endeavors is to introduce innovative approaches to ancillary service provision, leveraging fleets of, for example, EV charging points or home energy management systems (HEMS) devices rather than utilising solely individual, larger flexibility assets such as diesel generators. This objective is integral to the OPENTUNITY innovation initiative, driving forward our commitment to pioneering solutions in the energy sector.
Over the past six months, Kolektor sETup has been fully immersed in integrating Avantcar’s fleet of EV charging stations and Amibit’s HEMS devices fleet with its aggregator platform. This process began with the seamless integration of a single EV charging station and a single HEMS device to test the monitoring and management capabilities of these individual devices. With the successful validation of this initial integration, Kolektor sETup swiftly progressed to integrate over 70 EV charging stations and more than 50 HEMS devices into its aggregator platform.
Real-time consumption data from both fleets is now systematically collected and securely stored within the databases of Kolektor sETup’s aggregator platform. With the completion of the integration phase, Kolektor sETup has initiated the data collection period, paving the way for the subsequent development of forecast algorithms tailored to each fleet. These algorithms will serve as the foundation for offering ancillary services, marking a significant step forward in our ongoing efforts to innovate and optimize within the energy sector.
OPENTUNITY participates in the BRIDGE General Assembly 2024
OPENTUNITY participates in the BRIDGE General Assembly 2024
12/04/2024
The BRIDGE General Assembly of 2024 convened on April 9th and 10th, embracing a hybrid format with sessions held both in Brussels and streamed online. Among the participants were representatives from the OPENTUNITY project, namely partners Joanneum Research and ETRA, actively participating in the session of the Working Group on Consumers and Citizens Engagement.
Throughout the assembly, participants were enriched with insights into the accomplishments of the BRIDGE Working Groups during the 2023-2024 term, delving into the invaluable lessons learned from completed BRIDGE projects and exploring various initiatives shaping the energy landscape. Engaging discussions ensued, examining avenues for enhancing the BRIDGE initiative and addressing cross-Working Group concerns.
Central to the discourse were the European Commission’s aspirations for fostering a competitive European industry, with particular emphasis on modernizing the grid to align with the demands of a dynamic energy ecosystem and advancing the development of artificial intelligence applications.
Looking ahead, the Consumer and Citizen Engagement Working Group is poised to intensify its focus on Energy Communities, and broaden stakeholder engagement beyond consumers and citizens to encompass regulators, aggregators, TSOs, DSOs, and others, while prioritizing inclusivity in user engagement efforts.
Meanwhile, the Data Management Working Group is forging ahead with the establishment and expansion of a comprehensive use-case repository, emphasizing practical tools, and refining the Reference Framework to bolster interoperability among home applications.
Similarly, the Business Models Working Group is redoubling its efforts on knowledge sharing within its domain and contributing to the development of the Common European Data space.
Lastly, the Regulations Working Group is capitalising on synergies with ETIP SNET/ISGAN, fostering closer collaboration among BRIDGE Working Groups, and aligning with ongoing policy initiatives through enhanced coordination efforts.
New Article About OPENTUNITY at ENLIT
New Article About OPENTUNITY at ENLIT
10/04/2024
On this occasion, the renowned platform ENLIT has published an article detailing not only the objectives of OPENTUNITY but also providing insights into the innovations we are working on.
This article unveils how OPENTUNITY introduces a series of innovations that facilitate the integration of distributed energy systems, such as PV, batteries, and electric vehicles, into European Smart Grids. These systems play a crucial role in greening EU grids, balancing energy supply, and providing backup for intermittent bulk renewable energy sources.
To achieve these objectives, the project deploys thirteen innovations across three categories: OPENFLEX, OPENGRID, and OPENABILITY.
Additionally, the article explains how the innovations brought forth by OPENTUNITY are intended to drive transformative changes in the European energy landscape. The project envisions a more sustainable society powered by renewable energy sources, where citizens and stakeholders play a central role.
These innovations are not merely technological advancements; they represent a profound shift toward decarbonising the European Union’s energy systems, empowering individuals, and ensuring a reliable energy supply, particularly in the context of the growing adoption of Renewable Energy Sources (RES).
Read the entire article here.
NODES Partner Establishing Flexibility Markets in Various OPENTUNITY Pilot Sites
NODES Partner Establishing Flexibility Markets in Various OPENTUNITY Pilot Sites
22/03/2024
NODES is an independent market operator based in Norway, dedicated to managing an integrated marketplace that fosters the exchange and trading of flexibility across all grid levels. By doing so, NODES plays a pivotal role in optimizing the utilization of flexible resources within the grid.
Gesa Milzer, Senior Project Manager at NODES, sheds light on the OPENTUNITY initiative, which focuses on establishing flexibility markets, innovative market solutions, and a spectrum of products and services across various pilot sites in Europe:
– In Spain, collaborating with ANELL (DSO) and Estabanell (FSP).
– In Switzerland, partnering with AEM (DSO) and SUPSI (FSP).
– In Greece, working closely with HEDNO (DSO), IPTO (TSO), HyperTech (Aggregator), and ICCS (FSP).
These pilot-specific solutions are meticulously developed in collaboration with respective partners and subjected to diverse use cases to assess their practicality and necessitate any technical or operational adjustments. Ultimately, the goal is to transition these developed solutions from the testing phase into widely utilized operational products and services.
Read more here.
OPENTUNITY Plenary Meeting Sparks Innovation in Energy Solutions in Granollers
OPENTUNITY Plenary Meeting Sparks Innovation in Energy Solutions in Granollers
09/02/2024
On February 6th and 7th, the OPENTUNITY consortium convened for its Plenary Meeting at Anell premises in Granollers, Spain, a pivotal hub within our pilot site network.
The meeting buzzed with energy and enthusiasm as discussions delved into the core pillars of our project: OPENFLEX, OPENGRID, and OPENABILITY. These initiatives signify our dedication to fostering flexibility in the prosumer’s environment, enhancing grid management technologies for DSOs/TSOs, and streamlining procedures to boost interoperability. Furthermore, partners addressed the different use cases in our pilot sites across Spain, Greece, Slovenia, and Switzerland.
Crucially, these deliberations marked pivotal steps towards our forthcoming report to the EU Commission. This report, a culmination of 16 months of dedicated work, represents a significant milestone in our journey towards shaping the future of energy systems in Europe.
Beyond the boardroom, the consortium had the privilege of immersing ourselves in Anell’s facilities—a testament to the evolution from a textile company to a dynamic DSO. This firsthand experience provided invaluable insights into the practical applications of our work, grounding our discussions in real-world contexts.
Spanish pilot site prepares to test OPENTUNITY’s uses cases
Spanish pilot site prepares to test OPENTUNITY’s uses cases
02/02/2024
ANELL partner, the lead partner for the Spanish pilot site, is prepared to star testing the OPENTUNITY’s use cases. After a period identifying challenges in the company’s grid and defining corresponding solutions, the Catalan DSO initiated the process of delineating the pilot site’s activity area. This mainly covers municipality of Santa Eulàlia de Ronçana, a town located in the county of Vallés Oriental (Barcelona), spanning 14 km2 with a mix of urban and rural areas. ANELL manages almost 80km of Low Voltage (LV) lines, 30km of Medium Voltage (MV) lines and is supplying around 2.500 Smart Meters.
Santa Eulalia de Ronçana was selected based on the high frequency of non-technical losses in the area and the amount of residential photovoltaic solar panel installations, around 120 with a maximum power capacity of around 1 MW. This aligns with ANELL’s main concerns of minimizing losses and maximizing service quality.
OPENTUNITY’s Use Cases will be very valuable for ANELL in addressing different challenges. Some will focus on determining discrepancies on grid’s topology and estimating the state of the network to tackle the low observability in the LV grid, facilitating the identification of discrepancies and faults. Others will address strategies for managing the recent increase of Distributed Energy Resources (DER), different strategies to deal with congestions and loss of capacity due to this massive penetration will be done.
There is also an emphasis on supporting the energy transition by fostering demand-side flexibility to handle congestions and mitigate the impact of DER.
Finally, other use cases will focus on detecting of non-technical losses along the grid, calculating MV lines capacity due to thermal variations, and enhancing system reliability and resilience by identifying critical assets and developing aging and failure models.
These efforts collectively address ANELL’s main needs forming the core of the Spanish Pilot.
Pilot site in Spain.
ANELL premises in Granollers, Barcelona.
Working to reach final users
Working to reach final users
23/01/2024
How will OPENTUNITY solutions reach users and become viable business models?
In OPENTUNITY, we are not just building a network of innovations to open up the electricity ecosystem to various stakeholders, but also to provide a genuine opportunity for real decarbonization. Our specific goal at OPENTUNITY is to ensure that our innovations reach the intended actors and effectively enter the market.
By providing social science and economic expertise, the JOANNEUM RESEARCH LIFE team has a special role in OPENTUNITY. They ensure that the solutions developed in OPENTUNITY find their way to users and become part of viable business models. Currently, they are developing an integrated research strategy that enables collecting close user feedback for the technological features to be tested at the demo sites in Greece, Slovenia, Spain, and Switzerland.
The feedback tool will provide a low-threshold opportunity for users to provide feedback on their experience and enable them to submit concrete ideas for improvement.
In parallel, preliminary business models and value chains for each OPENTUNITY demo site have been created. They will be further detailed and quantified as the project moves along. Stay tuned!
Here our partners from JOANNEUM RESEARCH LIFE: Stephan Schwarzinger, Michael Brenner-Fließer and Camilla Neumann.