Unlike the control and observability put in service in HV/MV, LV networks are still being substantially managed as usual: no visibility of power and voltage or grid components status, poor knowledge of connectivity, manual operation of switches or few tools for worker support. The LV grid characteristics (radial topology, exposition to local disturbances, local accumulation of distributed generation, technical and no-technical loses, aging heterogeneous, etc.) limit the construction and refurbish of LV electric infrastructure and the integration on it of grid remote monitoring and operation and automation resources, bringing to difficulties in the implementation of the LV Smart Grid and the integration of Distributed Generation Resources and Active Demand Management (ADM). Smart metering deployment Mandates offer an opportunity to maximize the gains derived from the obliged functions to be deployed related to smart metering, developing and integrating additional innovative grid and ICT infrastructure, functions, services and tools improving grid operation performance and quality and paving the way for benefits and business opportunities for the involved actors (DSOs, customers, retailers and ESCOs). The project aims to develop, deploy and demonstrate innovative solutions (grid systems, functions, services and tools) for advanced Operation and Exploitation of LV/MV networks in a fully smart grid environment improving the capacity of that networks as enablers for Distributed Generation, ADM, Customer empowering and business opportunities. The project proposes 4 real pilots in Portugal, Poland, Spain and Sweden covering: Smart grid monitoring and operation, advanced grid maintenance, DER and ADM integration and active Consumer awareness and participation with cost efficiency. Also proposes specific WPs to maximize the socioeconomic impact of results, especially for their market uptake, business opportunities triggering and society awareness on the smart grid benefits

One of the main challenges of EU battery sector to achieve the net-zero emissions objectives for 2050 consists of keeping the added value of EoL batteries, enabling their 2nd life, and improving recycling and recovery of critical materials. REINFORCE aims at designing, developing and deploying a novel sustainable, and highly efficient circular value chain serving as a reference for automated, safe and cost-efficient logistics and processing of EoL batteries from EV and stationary applications for repurposing and recycling. REINFORCE will demonstrate all technological solutions and processes in a real environment at TRL6, and the viability of the new circular value chain and business model innovations for EoL battery repurposing. This will be achieved by: (i) an optimisation of collection and reversed logistics focussed on efficient diagnostics for early battery status cut-off decision-making and safe and smart transportation solutions; (ii) safe and improved battery diagnostics and speed-up discharge and energy recovery systems adapted to the current batteries stream; (iii) adaptable and safe dismantling and sorting of EoL batteries and components based on robotics, Machine Learning and Industry 4.0, including fully automated pack-to-module disassembly and advanced module-to-cell-to-electrode disassembly; (iv) an innovative traceability system along the battery value chain based on a battery passport for the 2nd and 3rd life battery user; (v) the definition of standardisation guidelines in line with current and upcoming regulations; all revolving around (vi) robust sustainable circular business models demonstrating the application of REINFORCE proposition in a circular economy strategy and implement actions towards full market maturity. For this, REINFORCE is bringing together a wide experienced consortium led by INE, involving a team of leading industrial technology developers and providers, R&D centres and academic institutions, and end-users, at European level.

MAtchUP project aims at strengthening the planning processes for urban transformation, consolidating the benefits of deploying large scale demonstration projects of innovative technologies in the energy, mobility and ICT sectors, by means of substantially improved models for replication and upscaling, based on impacts evaluation, and ensuring the bankability of the solutions by means of innovative business models, which lead to achieve real deployment further than the pilots carried out in the lighthouse cities. With this, it is sought a high penetration of the validated technologies in those cities less prepared to adopt very innovative solutions and formalize it in a standard commitment, accompanied by capacity building strategies, to guarantee at least medium term implementation. The expected results will be achieved working in parallel in demonstration and upscaling/replication levels, so the lighthouse cities (Valencia-Spain, Dresden-Germany and Antalya-Turkey) and followers (Ostend-Belgium, Herzliya-Israel, Skopje-FYROM and Kerava-Finland) will assume a huge commitment in this project in order to: - deploy innovative solutions in the energy, mobility and ICT sectors with a strong monitoring program to validate all of them, - develop very rigorous upscaling and replication plans that will be the basis to update at least the SEAPs/SECAPs, that are the major standard commitment at European level that a city can assume in terms of city transformation, and other existing city plans as Sustainable Mobility Plans or Digital Agendas.

The core concept of the SALAMANDER project is to develop and integrate embedded sensors and self-healing functionality in Li-ion batteries (LIB) to enhance their quality, reliability, and lifetime. This is achieved by demonstrating “smart” aspects in the battery which analyze indicators of its own degradation and independently respond with external stimuli to trigger on-demand self-healing. To achieve this goal, the project proposes 3 types of sensors with 2 types of self-healing mechanisms to counteract the most threatening and damaging reactions that occur in a typical LIB. On the anode, a resistance sensor array will be printed onto its surface to sense the degree of electrode fracture in the silicon/carbon composite anode. The anode will be embedded with a self-healing polymer network which upon thermal activation helps re-bind the silicon nanoparticles. For the cathode, an electrochemical sensor array is printed onto the separator to sense the dissolution of Mn from the LiNiMnCoO2 (NMC) cathode. To prevent Mn ions from critically degrading the cell, the cathode will be embedded with heat-activated scavenging species which remove these ions. Lastly, an internal temperature sensor helps control the degree of thermal activation. In each degradation scenario, the sensors communicate with the battery management system (BMS), which uses a physics-based model to trigger controlled heating to activate self-healing. Additionally, a life cycle assessment will be conducted to validate the recyclability of the SALAMANDER battery and quantify how the environmental impact of manufacturing is offset by longer-lasting batteries. Thus, although the project’s technology is anticipated to be disruptive at the cell and BMS levels, its design would remain compatible with existing manufacturing and recycling processes. These outcomes thereby help meet the goal of BATTERY 2030+ for a competitive, sustainable European battery value chain and a more circular economy.