Sustainable energy system for achieving novel carbon neutral energy communities

Project Information

SUSTENANCE

Grant agreement ID: 101022587

DOI

10.3030/101022587

Project closed

EC signature date 20 April 2021

Start date 1 July 2021

End date 31 December 2024

Funded under

• SOCIETAL CHALLENGES - Secure, clean and efficient energy

Total cost

€ 6 669 677,74

EU contribution

€ 3 491 307,13

Coordinated by

AALBORG UNIVERSITET
Denmark

Periodic Reporting for period 3 - SUSTENANCE (Sustainable energy system for achieving novel carbon neutral energy communities)

Reporting period: 2023-11-01 to 2024-12-31

Summary of the context and overall objectives of the project

The SUSTENANCE project was a jointly funded action falling under the ‘International Cooperation with India’ programme. As such it received funds from both the EU and India. Aalborg University (AAU) in Denmark coordinated the project consortium, whilst the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (IITB) organised the Indian partners. SUSTENANCE’s primary objective was to develop and demonstrate carbon-neutral, sustainable energy systems for energy communities by establishing effective multi-energy systems and fostering collective actions among citizens. The focus was on maximising the integration of local renewable energy sources and implementing energy-efficient solutions across multiple energy vectors, including electricity, heat, water, waste, gas, and transportation (in the form of electric vehicles). This approach aimed to enhance the quality of life for citizens.

The project encompassed six demonstration sites, three in Europe and three in India. These demonstration activities facilitated mutual learning, knowledge transfer, and co-innovation, which in turn increased the value of the innovative solutions. Each demonstration site featured activities to showcase the cross-sector coupling of different energy vectors. These included the use of energy storage solutions, demand response strategies, intelligent control schemes, and digitalisation to optimise the operation of electricity networks with higher shares of renewable energy. Together, these activities aimed to provide a reliable, economical, and decarbonised energy supply to the involved communities. The selected sites prioritised the active involvement and collective commitment of citizens, along with relevant energy stakeholders (such as utilities and industry) and social institutions (such as municipalities, village authorities, and NGOs).

The project guided the demonstration sites and local energy areas towards energy autarky and decarbonisation, while engaging local citizens and increasing their awareness of the energy transition. In the Indian sites, the project contributed to reducing energy poverty and improving living standards. Given the differing levels of living standards and technological advancements at the demonstration sites, the project explored replication possibilities at both national and international levels. This led to a set of recommendations for communities, policymakers, technicians, and researchers on how to apply the results and establish energy communities in both urban and rural settings worldwide.

Work performed from the beginning of the project to the end of the period covered by the report and main results achieved so far

The project’s initial focus was on developing the system architecture, control schemes, and grid analysis required for each demo site. Early work included defining data requirements, use cases, and control strategies for smart charging, heat pumps, and integrated energy systems. Later, efforts shifted to energy management systems (EMS), optimisation, and validation, with simulations improving self-consumption and minimising grid impact whilst real-world data validated the EMS at demo sites.

In Denmark: The original Stjær site was replaced by Voerladegaard and Doerup, where heat pumps, storage, and PV panels were installed. Citizen engagement and data collection contributed valuable insights.

In the Netherlands: The planned tiny house community was replaced by Vriendenerf in Olst, a sustainable 12-household community. A solar PV car charging facility at the University of Twente campus was established. An IoT platform and EMS trials were also conducted.

In Poland: COVID-19 delayed citizen engagement, but energy production, storage, and demand systems were finalised in Sopot, including heat pumps, PV, battery storage, EV charging, and a renovated substation.

In India: Several prototypes were developed, including a multi-utility heat-pump, hybrid solar-wind power plant, low-speed wind turbines, EV chargers, e-rickshaws, solar irrigation systems, and biogas units. These were tested at IIT Bombay and rural sites.

Energy Management System (EMS) solutions were tested and validated at each site, showing strong potential for future use. Apps and dashboards in Denmark, the Netherlands, and Poland enhanced energy consumption visualisation, iterated with user feedback.

SUSTENANCE partners participated in various communication, dissemination and exploitation events, with key activities shared via the project website and social media. The project was an active participant in the BRIDGE initiative particularly in Data Management and Consumer & Citizen Engagement groups. The project applied for the Horizon Results Booster service for expert guidance on result exploitation which resulted in the identification of two Key Exploitable Results. The project exceeded its target for scientific publications and international presentations and focused final efforts on dissemination and replication via the production of a final results video, presented at key EU and Indian events. In addition, and to promote user engagement and replication of its technical solutions, SUSTENANCE developed an eBook compiling its educational materials for the public.

Progress beyond the state of the art and expected potential impact (including the socio-economic impact and the wider societal implications of the project so far)

The SUSTENANCE project has made significant progress beyond the state of the art by identifying and addressing socio-economic, governance, and regulatory factors that influence local energy transitions and the set up technical solutions. Barriers across four countries were analysed, and a baseline survey was conducted to assess the social innovations within the project. Citizen-centred business models were developed, and the technical and social validation of demo site solutions was carried out. The roles of prosumers and energy communities were explored in-depth, with a key achievement being the creation of a Co-SPACE framework, which provides a structured approach to guide energy communities and assess technical solutions.

Six key lessons were identified, leading to roadmaps that cover critical topics such as the integration of EVs, heat pumps, and PVs, as well as overcoming regulatory challenges:

1. The integration of EVs, heat pumps, and PVs is complex but highly effective.
2. The transition to more autarkic community energy can begin from diverse starting points and take various paths.
3. Electrification of heating presents unique challenges, particularly for grid integration.
4. Regulatory frameworks lag behind technological and scientific advancements, impeding progress.
5. Transferring business models across different contexts is hindered by varying conditions.
6. While citizens support the energy transition, they often lack awareness of the details and their role in the process.

The project’s impacts include significant reductions in CO2 emissions, the promotion of economic growth, and improvements in public health through cleaner air. The sustainable solutions implemented at the demo sites have proven effective in reducing reliance on fossil fuels. Local energy consumers and producers in both Europe and India actively participated in the development and operation of the local energy systems, demonstrating the successful application of smart energy management systems (EMS). These systems, tailored to local conditions, have optimised energy use and enhanced the integration of renewable energy sources, driving the transition to more sustainable energy systems.

PV installation at the SUSTENANCE demo site, Barubeda in India, 2024