TIGON aims to achieve a smooth deployment and integration of intelligent DC-based grid architectures within the current energy system while providing ancillary services to the main network. To do so, TIGON proposes a four-level approach aiming at improving reliability, resilience, performance, and cost efficiency of hybrid grids through the development of an innovative portfolio of power electronic solutions and software systems and tools focused on the efficient monitoring, control, and management of DC grids. These solutions will be demonstrated in two main demo-sites located in France and Spain.

FARCROSS promotes state of the art technologies to enhance the exploitation/ capacity/ efficiency of transmission grid assets. The hardware and software solutions aim to increase grid observability to facilitate system operations at a regional level. FARCROSS considers cross-border connections, planning to use a wide-area protection approach to ensure the safe integration of renewable energy sources into the grid, mitigate disturbances and increase power system stability.

TILOS (Technology Innovation for the Local Scale Optimum Integration of Battery Energy Storage) aims to demonstrate the optimal integration of local scale energy storage in a fully-operated, smart island microgrid on Tilos island, Greece, that will also communicate with a main electricity grid. The main objective of the project will be the development and operation of a prototype battery storage system, based on NaNiCl2 batteries, provided with an optimum, real-environment smart grid control system and coping with the challenge of supporting multiple tasks, ranging from microgrid energy management, maximization of RES penetration and grid stability, to export of guaranteed energy amounts and provision of ancillary services to the main grid.

Storing large amounts of electric energy from renewable energy sources will enable countries to deal with long periods without sufficient sun and wind available, as e.g. during a dull November. A process called Power-to-Gas (PtG) allows for storing the surplus of renewable energies on sunny or windy days by the creation of synthetic natural gas. The project STORE&GO focuses on the integration of PtG into the daily operation of European energy grids to investigate the maturity level of the technology. Three different demonstration sites offer highly diverse testing grounds for PtG. Moreover, three different innovative methanation processes will be developed and improved to a high Technology Readiness Level.

The project ‘PROgress on Meshed HVDC Offshore Transmission Networks’ (PROMOTioN) applied in 2015 for funding under the EU Horizon 2020 (H2020) programme call ‘Competitive Low-Carbon Energy’ 5 (LCE 5). Within the framework of modernisation of the European electricity grid, this call focused on advancing innovation and technologies relevant to the deployment of meshed offshore grids. Its specific objective is to pursue an agreement between network operators and major equipment suppliers regarding a technical architecture and a set of multi-vendor interoperable technologies in order to accelerate HVDC grid development. The main objective of PROMOTioN is the further development and demonstration of three key technologies: diode rectifier offshore converters, multi-vendor HVDC (high-voltage direct current) grid protection systems, and full power testing of HVDC circuit breakers. Complementary to this end, a regulatory and financial framework will be developed for the coordinated planning, construction and operation of integrated offshore infrastructures, including an offshore grid deployment plan (roadmap) for the future offshore grid system in Europe.

NETfficient project improves the penetration of renewable energy through the use of ICT tools storage and high technology, as well as individual prosumers or as energy service providers to the network. Five use cases will be developed in real live scenario in the island of Borkum (low and medium voltage), aiming to have a high impact in the storage market through replication of the use cases. This replication will be driven by efficient dissemination and exploitation activities and their demonstrated business models.