Critical elements for energy security of grid and storage technologies

Expected Outcome

Project results are expected to contribute to some of the following expected outcomes:

• Development of advanced solutions contributing to strengthen the energy security of energy network and/or storage technologies for renewable energy;
• Contribution to strengthened European technology knowledge base on energy system security;
• Solutions addressing key aspects improving the technological and cross-cutting value chain aspects for energy security of grid and/or storage technologies are developed;
• Contribution to improved security of the future European renewables- based energy system as an important factor in its cost-effectiveness and therefore directly impacting European competitiveness;
• Contribution to the creation of European technological leadership in the energy security field and creation of a knowledge base for European industrial competitiveness.

Scope

Development of novel solutions, which address specifically critical aspects affecting the energy security of energy network and/or storage technologies in respect of uninterrupted and cost-effective access to energy. As energy security of the energy grid and safe storage of variable renewables is directly related to a cost-effective and sustainable European energy system and therefore essential to European competitiveness, not only energy security aspects of the grid and storage technologies as such, but also those related to their respective value chains need to be addressed. Proposals should focus on development of solutions for grid and/or storage technologies, which can highly improve their sustainability, resilience, and overall energy security performance in the European context in the long run. Proposals should take into consideration the results of the Study on clean energy R&I opportunities to ensure European energy security by targeting challenges of distinct energy value chains for 2030 and beyond[1].

Project should address precisely only one of the following areas:

Area 1- Advanced tools to address cybersecurity risks to 1) energy system transmission and distribution and 2) renewables to storage and storage to energy network interface technologies;

Area 2- Increasing circular economy processes, recycling, re-use or substitution of sustainably supplied critical materials and electronics for energy network and storage technologies;

Area 3- Sustainability and public perception of energy network and storage technologies as a limiting factor for their required capacity build-up and efficient performance in a secure energy system (e.g., hydropower, CAES storage).

Furthermore, a framework for decent working conditions, most notably essential skills, and efficient skills management within the overall energy network and storage system are essential for inclusivity and competitiveness of these systems. They should be addressed as an important transversal value chain component.

Activities are expected to achieve TRL 4-5 by the end of the project - see General Annex B. Activities may start at any TRL.

[1] European Commission, Directorate-General for Research and Innovation, Schleker, T., Hicks, M., Cressida Howard, I. et al., Study on clean energy R&I opportunities to ensure European energy security by targeting challenges of distinct energy value chains for 2030 and beyond final report, Schleker, T.(editor), Publications Office of the European Union, 2024, https://data.europa.eu/doi/10.2777/906828