The core challenge addressed in this project is the advancement of the entire modelling chain spanning basic atmospheric physics to advanced engineering design in order to lower uncertainty and risk for large offshore wind farms. The five specific objectives of the HIPERWIND project are to: 1) improve the accuracy and spatial resolution of met-ocean models; 2) develop novel load assessment methods tailored to the dynamics of large offshore fixed bottom and floating wind turbines; 3) develop an efficient reliability computation framework; 4) develop and validate the modelling framework for degradation of offshore wind turbine components due to loads and environment; and 5) prioritize concrete, quantified measures that result in LCOE reduction of at least 9% and market value improvement of 1% for offshore wind energy. The requirements for advanced modelling and development of basic scientific solutions necessitates the strong involvement from academic partners (DTU, ETH, and UiB) and research organizations (IFPEN, DNVGL, and EPRI) and potential end users (EDF) to supply relevant operational data for model validation, provide access to cutting edge industrial environment and to open up exploitation pathways beyond TRL5 toward eventual commercialisation. HIPERWIND employs multi-scale atmospheric flow and ocean modelling, creating a seamless connection between models of phenomena on mesoscale level and those on wind farm level, with the aim of reducing uncertainty in load predictions, and broadening the range of scenarios for which adequate load predictions are possible. Improved modelling of environmental conditions, improved load predictions, better reliability assessment and lower uncertainty, cost efficient design and operating strategies, and lower O&M costs will yield a projected 9% decrease in the Levelized Cost of Energy (LCOE) and 1% increase in the market value of offshore wind by the conclusion of the project.

Currently, hydraulic turbines are employed across a broad spectrum of operational regimes. A particular case is represented by the environmental flow (E-flows), which are essential for the conservation of fluvial ecosystems but often force to operate out of design parameters or rather switch off the plants. On the other hand, the impact of HPPs on water quality and biodiversity up- and downstream is enormous and should also be a target for refurbishing actions. In this context, the SHERPA project will develop and validate innovative technologies for refurbishing current HPPs, namely, 1) AM metallic patches and coatings to minimize damage and enhance resistance to cavitation, 2) new strategies to adapt rotational speed depending on the flow range, 3) advanced air injection systems to improve water quality and efficiency; 4) new runner designs adapted to E-flows increasing performance. Modelling, simulation, and monitoring tools will assess the new solutions of the in terms of energy output, flexible operation, cost-effectiveness, and impact on biodiversity. The goal is to expand and/or adapt the operational range of the HPP to include lower flows, without this harming their lifetime, economic viability, and environmental and social impact. In order to meet this objective, the project proposes a methodology comprising 8 work packages groups in four blocks to be carried out during 42 months. SHERPA has a well-balanced consortium with 7 partners from 4 countries, covering all the competences and know-how in terms of expertise, resources and positioning in the field, which will ensure the achievement of the project objectives and make an impact at European level.

HVDC-Wise project explores concepts and proposes solutions to foster the development of large HVDC based transmission grid infrastructures, able to bring benefits in terms of resilience and reliability to the existing electrical system and capable of integrating the forthcoming large amount of renewable energy. To do so, 5 ambitious specific objectives in line with the HORIZON-CL5-2021-D3-02-08 call expectations were selected: -Develop a complete reliability-&-resilience-oriented planning toolset (metrics, methodology, tools) with appropriate representation of future HVDC-based grid architecture concepts to fulfil TSOs’ resilience and reliability needs. -Propose and compare on generic cases, different HVDC-based grid architecture concepts fulfilling functional requirements relative to TSO’s resilience needs for the widespread AC/DC system. -Validate resilience-oriented planning toolset and the HVDC-based grid architecture concepts on three realistic use cases. -Identify, assess, and model emerging technologies for HVDC-based grid architecture concepts needed for the deployment of widespread AC/DC transmission grids. -Prepare for the adoption and deployment of the proposed solutions by the industry. HVDC-Wise is a multidisciplinary project engaging 14 partners from 11 countries covering the academic (5), TSOs (4) and industrial worlds (5). An implementation plan is presented in the form of 8 work packages, 6 of which are technical in nature. Synergy in communication and dissemination by the several partners and stakeholders will permit to maximize the HVDC-Wise project impact. Solutions to overcome the fundamental technological barriers as well as appropriate deliverables, tasks, milestones, and risks to complete the project objectives in due time are presented. HVDC-Wise proposes, designs, and validates HVDC-based grid architecture concepts enabling the deployment of reliable, resilient widespread AC/DC transmission grids to achieve the European energy transition.

Interoperability depends on cooperation of multiple domains. While for the energy sector technical interoperability is quite well established, interoperability of functions and businesses needs more attention. Even when standards are defined and interoperability models agreed, framework setters, product developers and users need to agree on their deployment and make sure that solutions are compatible with definitions. The Interoperability Network for the Energy Transition project (IntNET) establishes an open, cross-domain community bringing together all stakeholders relevant for the European energy sector to jointly work on developing, testing and deploying interoperable energy services. The community will be formally established to exist beyond project life-time. With a comprehensive, FAIR knowledge platform and a series of attractive events it guides those who deal with the heterogeneous interoperability landscape of energy services. To support ongoing harmonization of energy services, IntNET will institutionalise an assessment methodology and maturity model (IMM). Involving legal and regulatory bodies from the beginning and constant exchange of interoperability initiatives and standardization bodies will build a deep consensus on how European governance and industry can foster interoperability at all levels. Starting from an extraordinary well balanced and connected consortium of researchers, framework setters (e.g., ministry and EU wide associations), standardisation and communication experts, IntNET’s community approach guarantees wide outreach. IntNET will establish a framework for interoperability testing in ongoing projects and harmonize test procedures in a network of closely cooperating, self-sustained testing facilities. Energy service solutions based on the novel IMM and tested according to the IntNET certification process will be awarded with a widely known quality seal for interoperable smart grid and energy products (working title: “IntNET approved").

The expected growth of both on- and offshore wind energy is enormous and many new wind parks are planned for the coming years. Experience from the existing wind farms shows the importance of a proper micrositing of the wind turbines as well their efficient interconnection within the farm. In addition, bringing wind farms together into clusters toward a wind power plant concept might induce long distance negative interaction between the farms, reducing their expected efficiency. This might happen both on- and offshore. The high amount of connected wind power and the expected increase during the coming years, requires that this technology has to be prepared to take a more important role as of its contribution to the reliability and security of the electricity system. The present proposal, WinDTwin, targets to develop and validate an offshore wind farm digital twin (DT) for highly accurate prediction of power production and energy demand of the end user. The DT will give users tailored access to high-quality information, services, models, scenarios, forecasts, and visualisations, as a central hub for offshore wind decision-makers. And will also serve as platform, offering users access to a comprehensive array of high-quality resources, services, models, scenarios, forecasts, and visualisations. WinDTwin seeks to revolutionise the way industry professionals make informed choices. To reach WinDTwin expected impact, the ambitious innovation-led research proposed necessitates bringing together a range of skills and expertise which cannot be found within a single member country or institution. We have put together a unique team that has a broad range of expertise through the whole wind energy development process; ranging from the management of wind energy production and development of industrial codes, numerical methods, algorithms, ensuring the uptake of improved methodologies.. The WinDTwin consortium consists of 13 organizations from 7 different Member States.