Balancing Renewable Energy: The SUSTENANCE Project’s Local Solutions

October 7, 2024

The switch to renewable energy is a fundamental step in combating climate change, yet it brings about challenges due to the inherent irregularity of these energy sources. The SUSTENANCE project aims to address these issues by creating tailored sustainable energy systems for local contexts. Balancing the fluctuating nature of renewable energy with varying consumption demands, the project endeavors to establish stable and efficient energy systems that are pivotal for a green transition.

Addressing the Energy Flexibility Needs

Renewable energy sources like solar and wind are subject to weather conditions, making them inherently irregular and unpredictable. This intermittency contrasts sharply with energy consumption patterns that fluctuate based on user behavior and needs, presenting a significant challenge in balancing supply and demand. A crucial part of the SUSTENANCE project is developing localized systems that can effectively bridge this gap between irregular energy production and these unpredictable consumption patterns.

To tackle this fundamental discrepancy, the SUSTENANCE project employs local solutions aimed at offering flexibility. By integrating multiple energy vectors—such as electricity, heating, and cooling—the project ensures optimized energy usage across different forms. This strategy allows for a more comprehensive framework, leveraging distributed optimization algorithms to balance real-time energy needs successfully. These measures not only improve the stability and robustness of local energy systems but also make them more resilient against the inherent variability of renewable sources.

Holistic Energy System Framework

One of SUSTENANCE’s core achievements lies in the creation of a holistic energy system framework, which optimally integrates different energy vectors to ensure efficient usage. This innovative framework taps into a diverse array of renewable sources, employing energy flexibility classes and an extended profile steering approach to facilitate real-time energy balancing. The results lead to enhanced stability and robustness, pivotal for the efficient operation of local energy systems and the broader energy landscape.

This framework has seen noteworthy success in real-world applications. For example, at the University of Twente in the Netherlands, local renewable energy adoption increased dramatically from 34% to 68% following the framework’s implementation. Similarly, in Denmark, the integration of household heat pumps and photovoltaic (PV) systems significantly improved self-consumption rates, thanks to dynamic pricing mechanisms and enhanced storage capacities. These advancements highlight the effectiveness of a holistic approach in improving renewable energy utilization and fostering sustainable energy ecosystems.

Implementing Local Demand Response

A significant focus of the SUSTENANCE project is on local demand response, which aims to adapt energy usage based on local availability. Such an approach ensures that consumption aligns more closely with production, enhancing system efficiency. In Denmark, this strategy has been put into action by integrating 20 cloud-connected heat pumps into households, replacing traditional gas boilers with a more sustainable solution. These heat pumps not only help in better managing energy use but also significantly reduce carbon footprints, showcasing a practical and eco-friendly solution.

Moreover, in the Netherlands, local demand response strategies have been significantly enhanced through advanced energy management systems. The deployment of the EMS DEMKit and the distributed IECON IoT framework has led to more efficient energy management, making real-time adjustments based on energy availability and demand. These systems, along with mobile apps used by Dutch demonstrators, have made it easier for citizens to visualize energy usage and participate in sustainability initiatives, thus fostering a community-driven approach to energy management.

Technological Advancements in Forecasting and Management

Accurate forecasting is another critical component necessary for balancing renewable energy systems effectively. The SUSTENANCE project has developed advanced forecasting techniques specifically for PV energy production, enabling users to plan their energy consumption more precisely. These advancements in forecasting, supported by smart Energy Management Systems (EMS), have been pivotal in increasing self-consumption and overall user acceptance, further stabilizing local energy systems.

In addition to forecasting, the project has also made significant progress in smart charging for electric vehicles (EVs). At the University of Twente, smart charging systems have proven effective in dynamically managing energy demands based on real-time solar energy availability. This optimization of energy use not only supports a greener transport system but also integrates seamlessly with the broader renewable energy framework, underlining the project’s innovative approach to technological advancement in energy management.

Socio-Economic and Institutional Frameworks

A robust socio-economic and institutional framework is essential for the success of any energy system. Recognizing this, the SUSTENANCE project places high emphasis on citizen engagement, which is vital for the long-term viability of sustainable energy solutions. Various initiatives, including surveys and community meetings, are employed to gather input and boost social acceptability. This approach ensures active participation from local communities, fostering a sense of ownership and commitment to the energy transition.

The project also designs tailored business models for each demonstrator site, reinforcing the community-driven approach. These models address broader issues of social acceptability, incorporating factors like trust and engagement into their design. Additionally, new configurations and organizational setups are developed to align with citizen-centric energy needs, promoting sustainable practices at the grassroots level. By addressing socio-economic barriers, the SUSTENANCE project ensures inclusive growth and maintains a strong focus on achieving long-term sustainability.

Demonstrator-Specific Developments

Each demonstrator site within the SUSTENANCE project has achieved unique milestones tailored to local needs. In Denmark, the focus has been on integrating household heating systems with renewable energy sources. The deployment of 20 cloud-connected heat pumps, replacing traditional gas boilers, leverages innovative PCM storage systems to manage energy use intelligently. These initiatives not only showcase practical solutions but also set a precedent for future projects aimed at sustainable household energy management.

In contrast, the project in India adopts a community-based approach. This includes the integration of solar PV, wind turbines for water pumping, biogas systems, and solar-powered EVs to address specific agricultural needs. The initiative aims to provide sustainable energy solutions that enhance productivity while reducing carbon footprints, supporting a holistic approach to energy management that benefits local communities.

In the Netherlands, researchers developed a living lab comprising 12 houses equipped for maximum self-consumption of locally produced energy. These houses serve as a testing ground for islanding operations, ensuring resilient and self-sustaining energy communities under varying scenarios. In Poland, the focus has been on creating fully self-sufficient energy communities by integrating multiple renewable sources. Projects manage energy smartly at the building block level, demonstrating an exemplary approach to sustainable energy systems that can be adapted to various contexts.

Transformative Approach to Localized Energy Systems

Switching to renewable energy is crucial in the fight against climate change, yet it poses challenges due to the variability of these energy sources. The SUSTENANCE project aims to address these problems by designing customized sustainable energy systems suited to local environments. Renewable energy sources like wind and solar are inherently irregular; they don’t produce a consistent supply of energy because they depend on weather conditions. This unpredictability is compounded by fluctuating energy consumption patterns, making it difficult to balance supply and demand.

To tackle these issues, the SUSTENANCE project focuses on creating stable and efficient energy systems. By developing tailored solutions, they aim to ensure that the energy produced meets local demands consistently. This is crucial for achieving a smooth and effective green transition. These systems are not only about harnessing renewable energy but also about storing and distributing it in a way that accommodates its inherent unpredictability. This endeavor is key to moving towards a sustainable future, where green energy can reliably power our lives without exacerbating climate change.

In essence, the SUSTENANCE project’s goal is to harmonize the inconsistent nature of renewable energy sources with ever-changing consumption needs, ensuring energy stability and efficiency. This initiative is a pivotal step towards a green transition, helping to create a future where renewable energy is not only a viable option but also a reliable one.

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