The EU roadmap towards a climate-neutral economy by 2050 sets ambitious decarbonisation targets that shall be achieved by a massive deployment of renewable energy sources. Energy storage improves grid flexibility and allows higher penetration levels of renewable energy sources to create a decarbonised and more electrified society by means of leveraging second-life batteries. Battery management plays an essential role by ensuring an efficient and safe battery operation. However, current battery management systems (BMS) typically rely on semi-empirical battery models (such as equivalent-circuit models) and on a limited amount of measured data. Therefore, ENERGETIC project aims to develop the next generation BMS for optimizing batteries’ systems utilisation in the first (transport) and the second life (stationary) in a path towards more reliable, powerful and safer operations. ENERGETIC project contributes to the field of translational enhanced sensing technologies, exploiting multiple Artificial Intelligence models, supported by Edge and Cloud computing. ENERGETIC’s vision not only encompasses monitoring and prognosis the remaining useful life of a Li-ion battery with a digital twin, but also encompasses diagnosis by scrutinising the reasons for degradation through investigating the explainable AI models. This involves development of new technologies of sensing, combination and validation of multiphysics and data driven models, information fusion through Artificial Intelligence, Real time testing and smart Digital Twin development. Based on a solid and interdisciplinary consortium of partners, the ENERGETIC R&D project develops innovative physics and data-based approaches both at the software and hardware levels to ensure an optimised and safe utilisation of the battery system during all modes of operation.

The transport sector represents around 25% of all EU CO2 emissions: to face this challenge, the NEXTBAT consortium, involving 12 partners from 6 different EU countries and 1 Associated Partner from Switzerland, will provide a new framework for standardization of the next generation battery system design that will contribute to speed up a safe and sustainable electrification of transport and mobile applications in the EU, thereby also contributing to meet the EU CO2 reduction target and to reach a climate neutral economy by 2050. NEXBAT will significantly contribute to decrease the carbon footprint of the innovative battery system by decreasing production costs thanks to the high recyclability capacity of both hardware and cells components introduced along the production chain (100% w/w for hardware, 50-80% for cells depending on technology). The experience and expertise of renowned research centres and SMEs will allow the development of innovative safe-by-design battery systems with increased performances, recyclability and interoperability that will reach TRL5 by the end of the project. The electrification of transport and mobile applications requires high-performance and safe battery system. Thanks to the new technologies developed within the NEXTBAT framework, the battery system performances will be enhanced (energy/power density increase by 30 -50%) with decreasing battery weight by 25% using a newly developed lightweight material. Battery management systems will be incorporated at the cell and system unit allowing to increase battery lifetime by 20% at a SoH of 80% at cell level with innovative electronic sensing/actuating systems. Two interoperable prototypes will be manufactured, and safety guidelines and methodologies will be established as a result of safety testing campaigns performed by certified laboratories and the end-users, whereas dismantling and reuse of BMS parts will be assessed along with life cycle analysis.

HELIOTROPE is a groundbreaking research and development endeavor dedicated to advancing Concentrated Solar Power (CSP) technology to unprecedented heights. This project focuses on developing state-of-the-art molten salts and materials technologies for thermal energy storage systems, pushing the boundaries of operational temperatures beyond the current industry standard of 600ºC. A holistic approach is at the heart of HELIOTROPE's mission. Sustainable novel molten salts as thermal energy storage mediums and the remarkable ability to withstand absorber surface temperatures of up to 850ºC are introduced, promising to enhance CSP plant efficiency and dispatchability. This technological advancement aims to redefine the capabilities of CSP plants. Furthermore, HELIOTROPE aligns closely with key European energy policies and initiatives, contributing significantly to energy security, reducing reliance on fossil fuels, and lowering greenhouse gas emissions. The project supports the vision outlined in the European Green Deal, Clean Energy for All Europeans, and the Fit for 55 legislations, fostering sustainability and competitiveness in the energy sector. HELIOTROPE aspires to reshape the CSP plant landscape, making them not only more efficient but also inherently environmentally friendly. The project represents a significant stride towards a sustainable energy future, where CSP technology leads the way in innovation and progress, redefining the boundaries of what is possible in the pursuit of a cleaner, more sustainable energy world.