In recent years the energy paradigm is shifting from big-size centralized power plants to small-medium size distributed generation plants injecting power in a bi-directional power flow grid. For this reason, a new concept called “Smart energy system”, is growing where both physical networks (electricity, natural gas…) and non-physical networks (mobility and citizens/communities) have to interact towards the unique purpose: reduce energy carbon footprint and guarantee an affordable power supply for everyone.
.
MUSE GRIDS aims to be an industry/social driven LIGHTHOUSE PROJECT for this energy transition.
.
The MUSE GRIDS project goes exactly in this direction, aiming to demonstrate, system-wide and in real-life operational conditions, a set of both technological and non-technological solutions adapted to local circumstances targeting local urban energy grids (electricity, heating&cooling, water, gas, e-mobility) to enable maximization of affordable local energy independency thanks to optimized management of the production via end users’ centred control strategies, smart grid functionalities, storage and energy system integration with the objective of paving the way for their introduction in the market in the near future. Two large-scale pilot projects will be implemented in two different European regions, in urban (OSIMO) and rural (OUD HEVERLEE) contexts with weak connection with National grid and energy markets in order to demonstrate:
- How to interconnect local energy grids.
- How to utilize synergies in the energy system to maximise efficiency, reduce cost, CO2 emissions and energy losses.
- How to reach an affordable energy independency mainly maximising local self-consumption based on RES
.
MUSE GRIDS Objectives
MO1: Demonstrate interaction of energy grids via flexibility assets and innovative DSM – WP1-WP2
HOW? Development of MUSE Grids DSM, V2G/V2B algorithms, monitoring data as a data mine for maintenance/fault identification.
MO2: Facilitate the replication of interacting grids in new districts and areas – WP3-WP6-WP7
HOW? Development of a first of its kind planning tool, creation of LEC (200 citizens), 5 replication studies.
MO3: Demonstration of MUSE GRIDS Innovations in different EU countries and contexts – WP4 – WP5
HOW? Demonstration in Oud Heverlee and Osimo
MO4: Dissemination and capacity building at EU and Local level – WP7-WP8
HOW? Local Engagement of citizens – promotion via BRIDGE and EU initiative – policy paper
.