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Tag: SERENE project

  • SERENE cluster urges boost in renewable energy technologies

    SERENE cluster urges boost in renewable energy technologies

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    A recent policy brief from the SERENE cluster – a coalition of EU-funded projects – lays out essential actions to speed up the adoption of renewable energy technologies across Europe.

    The SERENE cluster, which unites the SERENE, LocalRES, and SUSTENANCE projects, focuses on fostering community engagement, overcoming regulatory obstacles, and delivering scalable solutions to drive clean energy adoption.

    Tackling barriers to renewable energy adoption

    The SERENE brief identifies significant barriers to the adoption of renewable energy technologies, especially in smaller and isolated communities.

    These communities often face societal resistance rooted in misinformation, a lack of technical knowledge, and concerns over upfront costs. Limited access to transparent information has further slowed the acceptance of sustainable technologies.

    To address this, SERENE advocates for community-focused training programmes that can clarify the benefits of renewable technologies and promote local buy-in.

    Outdated infrastructure hinders technological integration

    The SERENE cluster report highlights that Europe’s ageing energy infrastructure remains a substantial obstacle to renewable integration.

    Outdated systems, coupled with data scarcity, make efficient energy management challenging, particularly in remote areas.

    Regulatory obstacles compound these issues by limiting collaboration with Distribution System Operators (DSOs). SERENE’s recommendations include aligning EU and local regulations to streamline the transition to renewable energy.

    Supporting small businesses to drive innovation

    In addition to societal and technological challenges, the policy brief emphasises the industrial hurdles in the renewable energy sector.

    These include a growing skills gap, a lack of standardised technologies, and the dominance of large corporations that can create mistrust in local communities.

    To overcome this, SERENE suggests that small businesses and start-ups receive more funding to become competitive players in the energy market.

    By fostering trust and competitiveness, the report argues that small companies can drive more localised, scalable solutions.

    Key recommendations for accelerating renewable energy technologies

    The SERENE policy brief offers eight major recommendations aimed at overcoming these barriers:

    • Recommendation 1 – Training Tools and Workshops: Provide structured training for communities to raise awareness and acceptance of renewable energy solutions.
    • Recommendation 2 – Align EU and Local Regulations: Streamline policies between EU and local governments for easier adoption of energy projects.
    • Recommendation 3 – Scalable Energy Solutions: Develop plug and-play technologies for simpler adoption by citizens and communities.
    • Recommendation 4 – Funding for Start-ups: Allocate EU and national funds to support small companies and start-ups in renewable energy.
    • Recommendation 5 – Simplify Procedures: Speed up administrative processes for energy projects, especially for smaller communities.
    • Recommendation 6 – Interoperability and Standardisation: Create EU-wide standards for renewable technologies to ensure compatibility.
    • Recommendation 7 – Promote Energy Sharing: Implement flexible legal frameworks to enable communities to share surplus energy.
    • Recommendation 8 – Combat Misinformation: Launch awareness campaigns to educate citizens on the benefits and debunk myths about renewable energy

    SUSTENANCE final results

    In addition to the policy brief, the cluster has also released a final results video of the SUSTENANCE project, which can be found below:

    A vision for Europe’s renewable future

    The SERENE cluster’s policy brief underscores the need for a multi-faceted approach to transition Europe toward a clean energy future.

    By focusing on regulatory alignment, community education, and support for innovation, SERENE’s policy brief provides a clear path forward.

    With these strategies in place, Europe can enhance its role as a leader in renewable energy technologies and accelerate its progress toward a sustainable, resilient future.

    For more on the SERENE cluster’s projects and insights, visit SERENE, LocalRES, and SUSTENANCE.

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  • SERENE project advances local energy systems across Europe

    SERENE project advances local energy systems across Europe

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    As the global push for sustainable energy intensifies, the SERENE project is making significant strides in transforming local energy systems across Europe.

    Funded by the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme, SERENE is pioneering integrated energy solutions that enhance efficiency, sustainability, and community engagement.

    The latest updates from SERENE’s demonstration sites in Denmark, the Netherlands, and Poland reveal how these initiatives are shaping the future of energy at the local level.

    We take a look at the findings of the project’s latest newsletter to uncover SERENE’s latest developments and progress.

    Scaling up smart energy systems

    SERENE’s primary focus is on developing local Energy Management Systems (EMS) that alleviate grid congestion and optimise energy use.

    In the Netherlands, the project is addressing the challenges posed by increased electrification and solar PV generation.

    Through collaborations with the University of Twente, Saxion University of Applied Sciences, and tech firm Loqio, SERENE is implementing advanced algorithms and smart technologies to manage energy consumption more effectively.

    These innovations will be highlighted at key industry events, including the Smart Energy Systems Conference in Aalborg, Denmark, and the inaugural Smart Energy Hubs Conference in Enschede, the Netherlands, both scheduled for later this year.

    These conferences will serve as platforms for sharing the project’s findings and exploring further applications of these technologies in larger urban and industrial settings.

    Denmark’s Hyllegård Høje: A model for renewable energy integration

    In Denmark, the Hyllegård Høje Energy Community is setting a new standard for renewable energy integration and has been selected as the latest demonstration site for the SERENE project.

    This community has implemented a cutting-edge energy infrastructure that includes building-integrated photovoltaic (PV) systems and an innovative 5th-generation district heating system known as Termonet.

    The system’s 30 km of uninsulated underground pipes serve as the primary energy source for ground-source heat pumps, ensuring efficient heating and hot water supply.

    The energy management in Hyllegård Høje is handled by NEOGRID’s Community Energy Management System (CEMS), which uses data-driven models to forecast and optimise energy use.

    This dual-grid system separates household energy needs from community-wide assets, such as EV charging stations and central battery storage, allowing for more precise energy management and greater sustainability.

    With the completion of Phase A expected by the end of 2024, Hyllegård Høje is poised to become a leading example of how local energy systems can be both sustainable and scalable.

    Milestone reached at Aardehuizen, Netherlands

    The Dutch demonstrator, Aardehuizen—also known as ‘Earth houses’—has achieved a critical milestone with the full installation of its energy measurement setup.

    This system, developed over three years, includes smart control algorithms that optimise energy usage based on predictions and real-time data.

    These technologies are designed to minimise interaction with the national grid, reduce CO2 emissions, and maximise financial returns from locally produced energy.

    The project is now entering a validation phase that focuses on both technical and social optimisation.

    The technical component aims to fine-tune energy consumption within the community, while the social aspect explores how real-time data and recommendations can influence residents’ behaviour.

    This dual approach underscores SERENE’s commitment to not only advancing technical solutions but also fostering active community participation in the energy transition.

    Przywidz, Poland: Overcoming challenges and advancing local energy systems

    In Poland, the SERENE project continues to progress in the Przywidz Municipality, despite recent changes in local government leadership.

    The newly elected mayor has shown strong support for the initiative, participating in presentations and discussions about ongoing developments.

    One of the key achievements in Przywidz is the integration of a Vanadium Redox Flow Battery (VRFB), which provides a stable energy storage solution that is crucial for balancing local energy production and consumption.

    Additionally, the project has introduced an all-in-one Energy Storage System (ESS) developed by STAY-ON.

    Installed at a local kindergarten, this system combines batteries, an inverter, and an energy management system, making it easier to implement and manage.

    The ESS is designed to store excess energy from photovoltaic installations and use it during peak demand periods, enhancing the resilience of the local energy system.

    Engaging communities in the energy transition

    A central goal of the SERENE project is to actively involve local communities in the energy transition.

    In Przywidz, this has been achieved through a series of public meetings where residents have been informed about new energy installations and encouraged to engage in discussions about the future of local energy systems.

    These events have emphasised the importance of energy storage technologies and their potential benefits for both individual households and the broader community.

    The project has also focused on reaching younger audiences, with Polish partners participating in the EDU Offshore Wind Fair in Gdańsk.

    This event provided an opportunity to discuss the future of green energy jobs and the role of innovative energy systems like those developed by SERENE.

    SERENE project future objectives

    As the SERENE project moves forward, the upcoming conferences in Aalborg and Enschede will be crucial for disseminating the project’s findings and exploring opportunities for scaling these innovations.

    The progress made in Denmark, the Netherlands, and Poland demonstrates the potential of local energy systems to drive Europe’s energy transition.

    SERENE’s work is not just about technology; it’s about empowering communities to take control of their energy futures.

    By integrating advanced energy management systems with active community engagement, the project is paving the way for a more sustainable and resilient energy landscape across Europe.

    The SERENE project is proving that local energy systems can play a vital role in the global energy transition.

    Through its innovative approaches and community-focused initiatives, SERENE is setting a new standard for how energy systems can be designed, implemented, and managed at the local level.

    As the project continues to evolve, its impact on sustainable energy practices is expected to grow, offering valuable insights and solutions for communities across Europe and beyond.

    Click here to read the full version of the SERENE project’s latest newsletter.

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