Optimization of the energy system: (for) the next generation: Decision-making towards an efficient, reliable, and sustainable energy system must take into account the link between electricity, heat and hydrogen and social objectives and preconditions. To support these complex decisions, we develop optimization models and algorithms with the best balance between accuracy and computation time.

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We have access to a data platform of prosumers (farmers and industries) with significant energy production, consumption and storage. The goal is to investigate to what extent recent technological and scientific advances (such as data analytics, machine learning and hyperlocal weather forecasts) can be harnessed to accurately match demand and supply in real time, and optimise storage and flexibility. This will allow the participants to benefit financially while at the same time contribute to the stability and flexibility of the grid. Results are expected to guide further research in the organisation of, and interaction among, virtual power plants and microgrids.

EmPowerED aims to deliver a theoretically informed and empirically validated scalable and integrated systems co-creation approach for carbon-neutral heating that can be tailored to the specific local PED context. It addresses key knowledge gaps in citizen engagement, governance and technology. Our consortium of 11 knowledge institutes and 38 societal partners includes diverse citizen groups, civil society organizations, municipalities, grid operators, housing associations and technology & service providers, united in a community of practice. EmPowerED’s novel systems-design toolbox to co-create local heat solutions for PEDs will be tested in real-life use cases and experiments to ensure usability and capacity building.