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.