European distribution networks and light-railway networks present common issues: both have been developed as independent networks, relying on the resilience and robustness of existing power supplies. However, RES progressive penetration introduced an increasing degree of uncertainty on the direction of power flows. Both networks are looking at integrated solutions targeting: i) reduction of electricity losses ii) increase the grid stability in a high local RES penetration scenario iii) accommodate the needs of new energy actors such as EVs, electrical storages and prosumers. Electrified transport networks such as light railways could act to enhance distribution grid stability providing ancillary services inter-exchanging electricity. However such potential is still unexploited. E-LOBSTER intends to capture such potential through the development of an innovative, economically viable and easily replicable electric Transport-Grid Inter-Connection System that will be able to establish synergies between power distribution networks, electrified transport networks (metro, trams, light railways etc.) and charging stations for EVs. The proposed solution encompasses the integration of high power flow Electric Storage with smart Soft Open Points providing flexible control. The system will be managed by an integrated Railway + Grid Management System which starting from the real time analysis of energy losses will be able to optimize the interexchange of electricity between the networks maximizing local RES self-consumption. The hardware and software control platform will be demonstrated at TRL 6 in one substation owned by Metro de Madrid. Business models and standardisation needs will be deeply analyzed and measures to unlock existing barriers will be promoted and in parallel the knowledge generated from the project will be further exploited for the definition of the up-scale design of a full scale E-LOBSTER system, paving the ground towards replication across the EU.

The ebalance+ project applies to the ‘Flexibility and retail market options for the distribution grid’ by addressing flexibility solutions, smart-grids technologies to increase the distribution grid resilience and defining and testing market mechanisms and tools incentivising the energy flexibility. In this context, the ebalance+ project aims to increase energy flexibility of distribution grids, predict available flexibility, increase distribution grid resilience and design and test new ancillary models to promote new markets based on energy flexibility. These objectives allow unlocking the energy flexibility market in distribution grids to support energy prosumers and electric operators. The ebalance+ proposal is an ICT platform that assure the integration and interoperability at any electricity domain, providing an effective market framework where electric operators and stakeholders benefit with new business models. The system is composed of units that implements algorithms to forecast and manage the available flexibility to incentivise demand response programmes and increase the distribution grid capacity to avoid congestions and advise optimization strategies. Besides, it allows integrating the flexibility solutions (developed and tested in the project): electric storage, V2G systems, SiC power inverters, power to heat, control of CHP and management of building devices with IoT-based systems. Smart-gird automation and control solutions will be integrated to enhance the grid observability and use the available flexibility to increase the resilience under critical events. The consortium is composed of 15 entities from 8 EU countries, which the participation of research centres, SME and industry. The solutions are tested in 4 real-life pilots (Spain, Italy, France and Denmark) with specific scopes and objectives. In addition, and in-Lab demo is developed to test critical use cases. Innovative market models regarding flexibility market for DSO-TSO will be simulated

HEART is a multifunctional retrofit toolkit within which different subcomponents – ICT, BEMS, HVAC, BIPV and Envelope Technologies – cooperate synergistically to transform an existing building into a Smart Building. Based on a whole-building performance approach, the toolkit is conceived to achieve extremely high levels of energy efficiency in the existing residential building stock, with particular reference to Central and Southern Europe, where climate change and energy transition have boosted electricity consumption peaks both during summer and winter seasons. However, it may be extended equally well to new residential and commercial buildings. The system’s central core consists of a cloud-based computing platform which concentrates managing and operational logic to support decision-making in planning and construction as well as energy performance enhancement and monitoring during operation. The Toolkit provide energy saving, energy fluxes optimization, data exchange, stakeholders’ active involvement and Smart Grid interactivity. Interoperable building technologies and installations are also integrated in the toolkit: envelope solutions (thermal insulation and windows) ensure a reduction of thermal loads, while technical systems (BEMS, BIPV, heat pump, fan-coils, power controller, storage systems) ensure energy efficiency and RES exploitation. All technical systems and building components are structured as a function of their affordability, interactivity, practicality, reduced installation time and non-invasiveness. HEART's contribution to the improvement of the building renovation process can be briefly summarized through its main features: • Retrofit planning and implementation optimization; • Reduction of total energy consumption; • Reinforcement of RES exploitation; • Rationalization of energy flows inside the building and between building and Smart Grids; • Active involvement of stakeholders; • Support to energy financing.