Project advancing smart energy technologies at local level announced as a finalist in the European Sustainable Energy Awards
Two communities poorly connected to the electricity grid in Italy and Belgium about to become energy independent by maximising affordable renewable energy thanks to MUSE GRIDS project
‘MUSE GRIDS, validates solutions for the decarbonisation of the local energy system while ensuring a positive impact on the centralised energy infrastructure, local economy and local social aspects, and air quality,’ says Fabiola Roccatagliata, Project Coordinator of MUSE GRIDS.
In Osimo, a hilltop town in Italy, and Oud-Heverlee, a rural neighbourhood in Belgium, up to 90% of energy needs are being covered by residents’ own local renewable energy production and through optimisation of use and distribution. The two demo sites are part of the EU-funded MUSE GRIDS project that is integrating energy-intensive municipal services such as water, electricity, natural gas, and heating and cooling networks into a smart energy system, enabling greater control, energy savings and affordable local renewable energy generation for self-consumption.
‘We have implemented some really exciting technologies such as a neighbourhood battery, electrical smart heating, and vehicle-to-grid chargers,’ explains Matthijs Doclo. ‘The MUSE GRIDS controller looks at the production and consumption of the whole community. When there is too much production, we charge the car and then later in the evening we will discharge the car back to the house, so the owners can use the green electricity for their evening consumption.’
In addition to the two demo sites, four international virtual demo sites are taking part in the project. This allows the team to monitor results in real-time and in real-life applications under different circumstances. Such testing allows the project to adapt the solutions better to the local needs of the communities, laying a groundwork for a replicable methodology.
‘Through the project we developed management and planning tools, with which the community can understand how energy use can be optimised across all the assets that are connected to the smart energy system,’ adds Fabiola Roccatagliata.
The project, funded under the EU’s Horizon 2020 programme, responds to the EU’s long-term goal of climate neutrality by 2050. Such actions are delivering on the European Green Deal, and more urgently, supporting the REPowerEU Plan to accelerate the clean energy transition and increase Europe’s energy independence.
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EU-funded projects raising the profile of new ideas
MUSE GRIDS is one of three finalists shortlisted for the European Sustainable Energy Awards 2022 in the Innovation category. The award recognises outstanding ongoing or recently completed EU-funded projects that show an original and innovative path toward the clean energy transition. The other finalists in the Innovation category are Beccs Stockholm and ENVISION.
Beccs Stockholm is creating a full-scale BECCS (bioenergy with carbon capture and storage) facility at Stockholm Exergi’s existing heat and power biomass plant in Sweden’s capital. ENVISION is using innovative facade technologies during building renovations to generate energy, enabling energy positive building throughout Europe.
European Sustainable Energy Awards honour changemakers taking bold action on energy and climate goals
The European Sustainable Energy Awards recognise outstanding individuals and projects for their innovation and efforts in energy efficiency and renewables. Prizes will be awarded in four categories: Innovation, Local Energy Action, Woman in Energy, and Young Energy Trailblazer. Finalists are chosen by a high-level jury from a shortlist of the year’s most successful projects and actions for clean, secure and efficient energy. The winners will be decided by an online public vote which is open now until 18 September.
EUSEW 2022
The European Sustainable Energy Week (EUSEW) takes place on 26 to 30 September 2022 under the theme ‘Going green and digital for Europe’s energy transition’. EUSEW will bring thousands of sustainable energy stakeholders together both in Brussels and online to discuss Europe’s energy independence ambitions and climate goals through the REPowerEU Plan’s measures of energy savings, diversification of energy supplies and an accelerated roll-out of renewables.
Registrations for onsite and online attendance are now open.
For interview requests with the EUSEW 2022 Award finalists or additional media information, please contact media@eusew.eu