CRETE VALLEY aims to create a Renewable Energy Valley 'Living Lab' (REV-Lab) in Crete. It is envisioned as a decentralised renewable energy system that combines leading-edge ICT technologies, interoperable and open digital solutions (including data sovereignty), social innovation processes, and sound business models that are easy to adopt. CRETE VALLEY will demonstrate a digitalised, distributed, renewable, low carbon landscape that is affordable for all and fully covers the local energy needs on an annual basis, utilizing multiple renewable energy carriers and leveraging energy storage technologies. The REV-Lab will integrate four Community Energy Labs (CELs) located in distinct sites across CRETE VALLEY, conceived as Innovation Hubs. An integrated social, technological & business approach will be deployed, providing: A Social Science Framework for REV-Labs & CELs, innovative multi-level governance models & social-driven mechanisms for involving citizens in the co-design, implementation and exploitation of RES; AI-based market segmentation algorithms, MCDA methods and consensus analysis for REV configuration; Interactive tools for REV planning (REV Readiness Assessment & computation, Augmented Reality applications, decision support tool); Energy Data Space compliant digital backbone for consumer and REV-level data-driven ‘activation’; P2P DLT/Blockchain digital marketplace for tokenised energy and non-energy assets valuation and reciprocal compensation; Data-driven operational analysis, advanced AI/ML tools and flexibility modelling services for optimal operation & resilience of the local energy grid; System-of-system Dig. Twin for multiple carrier grid management & operation; Data-driven services and apps for energy efficiency and activation performance management towards energy autonomy; Enabling RES technologies to increase the power production; REV Business Sandbox and blueprints for REV-Lab setup, upscaling and replication (including 4 Follower Communities).

PVSmile aims to transform passive utility-scale PV components and systems into flexible, community-level assets that are fully integrated into energy grids. By leveraging cutting-edge ICTs alongside decentralized, sharing-economy and community-driven models, PVSmile will deliver data-driven, value-added energy and non-energy services to key stakeholders across the energy value chain (network operators, aggregators, ESCOs) and the PV sector (manufacturers, developers, O&M providers). This vision will be realized through: Interactive SSH-driven frameworks & Multi-Level Governance Models to promote inclusive energy communities, increasing citizen participation especially among underrepresented groups; Smart Grid Readiness Index for Energy Communities & MCDA tools to build consensus among diverse stakeholders; Inclusive & circular economy business models, coupled with incentive mechanisms; PV-centric Data Space adaptation, integrating DLT/Blockchain, cybersecurity mechanisms and semantic interoperability to facilitate seamless, secure, and standardized data exchange; Smart hierarchical control strategies at different levels (PV converters, inverters, substations) supported by smart power electronics, sensors and intelligent systems; Data-driven applications & advanced components for PV optimal planning, construction, operation & EoL management; Advanced AI/ML tools, flexibility modelling services & an Energy Data Space-compliant DLT/Blockchain marketplace to enable PV-community orchestration and P2P asset trading; GenAI-based Digital Twin for hierarchical coordination of energy communities with the grid. PVSmile focuses on international collaboration across the Mediterranean region, with demonstration and replication activities in 9 countries (3 Front Runners, 3 EU & 3 Non-EU Early Adopters). The Leadership Programme and policy recommendations will further support scalability, ensuring the long-term success of community-integrated PV systems across different regions.

Today’s Internet-of-Things (IoT) incorporates a complex distributed network of wireless sensors and processors connected to the cloud. These platforms and their data-processing needs are creating a stronger and stronger demand for energy that is not sustainable. At the same time, the increasing consumers demand for IoT electronic devices and their limited lifespan, are significantly contributing to the world’s fastest-growing waste stream, known as electronic waste. To avoid an unsustainable energy cost in this data deluge, disruptive innovations in electronics from material to systems are urgently required. ELEGANCE proposes the development of a radically new, printable and light-operated processing technology specialized for IoT edge-computing applications. The project implements an eco-sustainable approach at component and processes level, where abundant, recyclable eco-friendly materials are employed, targeting a zero environmental footprint strategy. The processor’s building block includes a hybrid stack of an oxide optoelectronic memristor with an electrochromic layer on top exhibiting a unique light-triggered Processing-in-Memory enabling simultaneous IoT energy-efficient computing and visual sensing. In-memory computing schemes, such as crossbar memristor arrays, will be implemented employing low-cost, industrially compatible sustainable printing techniques. This will enable the design of energy efficient neuromorphic and artificial intelligence computing systems optimized for a plethora of consumer applications in the wearable, healthcare, and edge-computing sectors, making ELEGANCE an ambitious and technologically concrete breakthrough for the IoT with high potential for large societal benefits.