Innovative microgrids for improved energy system integration and efficiency in urban contexts

Quel est l’objet de cet appel ?

The call funds innovation actions that develop, simulate and demonstrate in real buildings or neighbourhoods low voltage direct current microgrids for more efficient and resilient urban energy use. Projects also address regulation, standards and training.

Que finance cet appel ?

Background

Most electric appliances in buildings, such as PV panels, batteries, LED lighting, IT equipment and heat pumps, run on direct current. Connecting them to a low voltage direct current (LVDC) microgrid can improve energy and material efficiency, optimise storage and self-consumption of local renewables, support grid stability and enable islanded operation. Such microgrids can also serve a small neighbourhood or energy community.

Proposals are expected to address all of the following

• Develop safe, affordable LVDC design methods and tools, including monitoring, control and handling of DC faults, and assess life-cycle costs and benefits compared with AC installations, including social impacts such as energy bills of vulnerable consumers.
• Demonstrate in real life an LVDC microgrid connecting all electrical applications in at least one residential, office or commercial building, or one neighbourhood.
• Demonstrate the installation virtually through digital twin simulation in other building types, including at least one building under renovation, in different cities and countries; real and virtual demonstrations must total at least 3.
• Identify regulatory barriers at European, national and distribution operator level and propose solutions; contribute use cases to standardisation (CEN-CENELEC, IEC).
• Prepare awareness, education and training materials and organise at least one open workshop with site visits.

Expected outcomes

Greater awareness and acceptance of LVDC microgrids, measurable gains in safety, efficiency and renewable integration, technical guidelines and regulatory recommendations for uptake in cities, and support for EU industry leadership in LVDC solutions. Activities are expected to reach TRL 7 to 8 by the end of the project.

Quelle est la date limite ?

7 octobre 2027 (336 jours)

7 October 2027 (single-stage)