The aim of OPEUS is to develop a simulation methodology and accompanying modelling tool to evaluate, improve and optimise the energy consumption of rail systems with a particular focus on in-vehicle innovation. The OPEUS concept is based on the need to understand and measure the energy being used by each of the relevant components of the rail system and in particular the vehicle. This includes the energy losses in the traction chain, the use of technologies to reduce these and to optimise energy consumption (e.g. ESSs). Specifically, the OPEUS approach has three components at its core: i) the energy simulation model ii) the energy use requirements (e.g. duty cycles) and iii) the energy usage outlook and optimisation strategies recommendation. The concept builds on an extensive range of knowledge and outcomes generated by a number of key collaborative projects (e.g. CleanER-D, MERLIN, OSIRIS, RailEnergy, ROLL2RAIL) underpinning the research proposed, ALL of which have been led by OPEUS consortium members. Particularly the tool developed for the CleanER-D project will be used as starting point. Significant complementary work from the academic community will also be used to enhance the activities of the project. Specifically, these previous projects input will be used to: • Expand and develop the simulation tool (CleanER-D, MERLIN); • Complete the operational requirements by enhancing the urban duty cycles (OSiRIS); • Provide a global vision of energy consumption in railways (CleanER-D, OSIRIS, RailEnergy) OPEUS’ ambition is to firmly contribute to the following key areas: • Understand energy consumption of urban railways; • Develop a tool to objectively compare technologies and strategies aimed at optimising the energy usage of railway systems; • Unlock the potential contribution that novel technologies and associated strategies can make to optimising rail energy consumption; • Share a global vision for how energy is used in railways

For space missions, the energy density of batteries is a key factor of systems mass. A recent battery technology, based on this Lithium-Sulfur chemistry and developed by OXIS Energy, has shown promising results, particularly in terms of specific energy and cycling performances. Lithium-Sulfur batteries could become the next breakthrough technology for space batteries, with a factor of two on the specific energy compared to the current Lithium-Ion products. ECLIPSE ambition is to channel the research activities in Europe and, as a spinning-in effort, ensure that the harsh space constraints are taken into account for the further improvements of the Li-S technology. This research action aimed at developing Li-S technology for space applications focusing on three levels: - Cell level studies, including research to optimise the four main cells components: anode, cathode, separator and electrolyte to achieve 400Wh/kg cells compatible with space cycling profiles. - Battery and encapsulation level, including prototyping and theoretical studies. - System level studies for integration in satellite and launcher architectures, taking into account the economic constraints and the future technical challenges. The expected outcomes of ECLIPSE are: - Mass reduction of batteries by a factor two. - Costs reduction at all levels: subsystem, system and launching costs. - Maturation of the technology (TRL 5 expected at the end of the project). The main impacts of this research are related to competitiveness (lighter is cheaper), non-dependency and innovation: beyond current markets, this breakthrough can enable new challenging missions. The impact of the project is secured by the composition of the consortium led by Airbus Defence and Space with the main European actors of the Lithium-Sulfur electrochemistry and space batteries: ECLIPSE will contribute to the consolidation of an independent European industrial supply chain for Lithium-Sulfur batteries. Project duration is 24 months.

The BATT4EU Partnership's SRIA emphasizes the urgent need for investment in long-term research on Generation 5 (Gen5) battery solutions to overcome the limitations of Li-ion technology and strengthen the EU's industrial autonomy. TALISSMAN’s primary objective is to lead the development of safe, sustainable, high-performance, and cost-effective Gen5 lithium-sulfur batteries (LSBs) for aerospace and other electromobility applications. By bringing together a multidisciplinary consortium of research institutions and top-tier industry leaders, TALISSMAN will develop and demonstrate two advanced battery pathways in small-scale, multi-layer pouch cell format (TRL4): (i) a hybrid quasi-solid gelled concept (Gen2027) and (ii) an all-solid-state sulfide approach (Gen2030). TALISSMAN will tackle critical challenges hindering LSB industrialization, such as polysulfide shuttling and stabilizing the lithium metal anode/electrolyte interface. These efforts will involve developing optimized materials and components, improving cell design and assembly, and refining manufacturing techniques to ensure compatibility and easy integration with existing Gen3 LIB production lines. Iterative feedback loops will optimize the technology’s techno-economic performance, while advanced characterization techniques and novel modelling approaches will enhance the understanding of reaction mechanisms, performance limitations, and degradation processes. The project will incorporate a Safe and Sustainable-by-Design framework, including essential safety and environmental criteria, and promote efficient resource use through life-cycle assessments, eco-design principles, and innovative recycling processes. Lastly, dissemination, exploitation, and communication activities, rooted in an Open Science approach, will support the project, facilitating the future industrial deployment of TALISSMAN's solutions, and contributing to the establishment of a competitive and sustainable battery industry in Europe.