Activities
The GIFT methodology is based on the development of technologies that are already all at high TRL (5 minimum) and that will be brought up to TRL 8 during the project. This is done step by step during the project and goes through the demonstration of solution in operational environment.
The dissemination and exploitation strategy will foster a wide and strong market uptake of the solutions developed in order to replicate the solution of GIFT in other islands. To this purpose a Replication Board will be constituted and actively solicited during the project.
Adaptation of technologies to the project
The first part of the project will focus on the technological improvements to be made in order to have efficient solutions to be implemented. All technologies presented will be improved and adapted for synergies. The WP2 prepares that work and the work is performed in WP3, WP4 and WP5 respectively developing the forecasting of supply and demand, the VPS and associated EMS, and the multi-vector storage. These work packages will bring modifications to technologies that have already been demonstrated in relevant environment and the WP6 will test them in relation with each other, to make sure that that they are ready for efficient demonstration.
Demonstration of technologies in operational environment
One of the most important part of the project is of course the demonstration of solutions in the operational environment of the different islands and the fact that the solutions are brought to TRL 7. This work will be done in WP7 and WP8. Based on the case definition done in WP2, the relevant technologies will be implemented in the islands that are lighthouse for it. Hinnoya will thus demonstrate solutions for higher synergy between the electric grid and the transportation network. Procida will demonstrate solutions for better integration of renewable into the grid and reduction of GHG emissions related to fossil fuel consumption.
Optimisation for a complete and qualified system
The second and third tasks of each demonstration are respectively dedicated to the collection and analysis of data and the optimisation recommendations in order to bring the technologies of the project to TRL 8. This is the final step of development that will take place in the project and that will allow for a wider replication of the solutions and a detailed, efficient and convincing dissemination and exploitation strategy.
Replication study for other similar islands
In order to make sure that the solutions that are developed are not too specific to the islands that will demonstrate them, a study will be done by replication islands either directly involved as partner in the project, or involved via the replication board. The replication will be both a study of the scaling-up to the whole islands and the possible replication to other similar islands and will be conducted in WP9.
Aggregators will play crucial role when GIFT solutions go to commercial operation. This means large number of connected prosumers, where several business models will be constructed and offered to the customers. GIFT systems allow transparent inclusion of several aggregators and are not biased by the business cases between aggregators and their customers. In order to prepare for the future roles, we plan to include aggregators if we encounter them. Furthermore, demonstration sites can decide that they want to start playing this business role. Based on the follower studies, we will address specific situations on follower islands and provide recommendations on energy system evolution.
Dissemination and exploitation
The dissemination and exploitation strategy that will be made during the project is aiming to widen the use of the technologies that are developed in the project in similar islands with similar issues and well as other micro-grids. The WP10 will focus on this very mission and all partners will participate in it.