The transition to the smart grid era is associated with the creation of a meshed network of data contributors that necessitates for the transformation of the traditional top-down business model, where power system optimization relied on centralized decisions based on data silos preserved by stakeholders, to a more horizontal one in which optimization decisions are based on interconnected data assets and collective intelligence. Consequently, the need for “end-to-end” coordination between the electricity stakeholders, not only in business terms but also in exchanging information is becoming a necessity to enable the enhancement of electricity networks’ stability and resilience, while satisfying individual business process optimization targets of all stakeholders involved in the value chain. SYNERGY introduces a novel reference big data architecture and platform that leverages data, primary or secondarily related to the electricity domain, coming from diverse sources (APIs, historical data, statistics, sensors/ IoT, weather, energy markets and various other open data sources) to help electricity stakeholders to simultaneously enhance their data reach, improve their internal intelligence on electricity-related optimization functions, while getting involved in novel data (intelligence) sharing/trading models, in order to shift individual decision-making at a collective intelligence level. To this end SYNERGY will develop a highly effective a Big Energy Data Platform and AI Analytics Marketplace, accompanied by big data-enabled applications for the totality of electricity value chain stakeholders (altogether integrated in the SYNERGY Big Data-driven EaaS Framework). SYNERGY will be validated in 5 large-scale demonstrators, in Greece, Spain, Austria, Finland and Croatia involving diverse actors and data sources, heterogeneous energy assets, varied voltage levels and network conditions and spanning different climatic, demographic and cultural characteristics.

Redox flow batteries (RFBs) are designed to work up temperature of 40ºC, however, discharging the battery generates heat. A cooling system is required to avoid electrolyte degradation or battery malfunction. Cooling requires energy and reduces the battery global efficiency. Moreover, higher temperatures have advantages: low electrolyte viscosity (less pump energy), better electrolyte diffusion in electrode & increase battery power due to increase electron mobility. BALIHT project aims to develop a new organic redox flow battery suitable to work up to temperatures of 80ºC, with a self-life similar than current organic ones, but with an energy efficiency 20% higher than current RFB since cooling system is not required, less pump energy & high power. Redox-active organic molecules with promising prospect in the application of RFBs, benefited from their low cost, vast abundance, and high tunability of both potential and solubility. These organic molecules are more soluble in water, which allows more concentrated electrolyte and increased battery capacity.CMBlu has developed an organic redox flow battery technology that use electrolytes from lignin, thin non-fluorinated membrane, carbon-based electrodes and plastic frames. Lignin is a renewable resource and the largest natural source of aromatic compounds from which efficient electrolytes can be produced. BALITH concept of organic RFB makes this technology suitable for many applications where the requirements for batteries are more challenging like: - Smoothing of non-dispatchable renewable power plants (like solar or wind) - Support for Ancillary services - High performance electric car recharge points - Improvement of grid flexibility and stability (at both transmission and distribution level). - Avoid cooling needs in RFB placed in warm countries (between 40º Latitude North & 40º Latitude South).

The objective of the ATTEST project is to develop and operationalize a modular open source toolbox comprising a suite of innovative tools to support TSOs / DSOs operating, maintaining and planning the energy systems of 2030 and beyond in an optimised and coordinated manner, considering technical, economic and environmental aspects. The consortium, from six EU countries, that has been assembled to deliver ATTEST consists of five highly experienced research organisations in the energy systems area, two utilities that manage and operate the transmission system and the distribution system in Croatia, and two industry partners that specialise in the development of advanced ICT solutions and SCADA systems. The development of this broad spectrum of energy-related ICT tools and the utilization of next generation algorithms, demonstrated in a real world environment has not been attempted before. The outputs from the ATTEST project will enable accelerated dissemination, by a wide range of research institutions, within and outside of the project consortium, of the tools that will help TSOs and DSOs to better manage their networks. The demonstration of the results of the project will be valuable for the scientific community and EU energy industry and attest to the relevance of the solutions developed. The ATTEST’s ambition is to enable a wide range of users to utilize and test the tools developed in the project, thereby contributing to spread knowledge and experience in the energy systems community in the EU and on a global scale. This will contribute significantly to addressing not only the specific challenges of the call and the Horizon 2020 Energy Work Program, but also those of the EU’s Energy Union strategy and the 2020 Climate & Energy package.

FLEXCoop introduces an end-to-end Automated Demand Response Optimization Framework. It enables the realization of novel business models, allowing energy cooperatives to introduce themselves in energy markets under the role of an aggregator. It equips cooperatives with innovative and highly effective tools for the establishment of robust business practices to exploit their microgrids and dynamic VPPs as balancing and ancillary assets toward grid stability and alleviation of network constraints. Optimization in FLEXCoop applies to multiple levels. It spans local generation output, demand and storage flexibility, as well as the flexibility offered by EVs to facilitate maximum RES integration into the grid, avoidance of curtailment and satisfaction of balancing and ancillary grid needs. This is achieved via automated, human-centric demand response schemes with the participation of appropriately selected residential prosumers. To enhance prosumer acceptance, the FLEXCoop innovative services will feature non-intrusiveness, comfort and well-being preservation, non-violation of prosumer daily schedules as well as maximization of benefits through transparent and open participation in markets. It will also guarantee easy switching between DR service providers, vendor lock-in avoidance, customized DR service contracts and objective settlement and remuneration, thus establishing an energy democracy context and empowering prosumers to become active energy market players. FLEXCoop brings together a wide range of baseline technologies to build an open and interoperable DR optimization framework, including a fully-fledged tool suite for energy cooperatives (aggregators) and prosumers involved in the DR value chain, ensuring: (i) DR stakeholders empowerment and transformation into active market players, (ii) end-to-end interoperability between energy networks, energy management systems and devices and (iii) the realization of new business models for energy cooperatives.