EU-project ALPGRIDS promotes energy system transformation in the Alpine region

October 1 2019, Alpine region: Smart grids are a key to a successful energy turnaround. The changes in the production and consumption of energy pose new challenges for grid operators, but also offer new opportunities. As part of an international research team, B.A.U.M. Consult is investigating how so-called microgrids in the Alpine region can lead to more autonomy in the energy sector.

The Alpine region is to become a model region for energy efficiency and renewable energies in the context of an EU strategy. The main problem for grid operators is that new forms of use, such as electromobility, mean that a particularly large amount of electricity is required at certain times. Due to the increasing share of renewable energies in the electricity mix, there is also a fluctuating availability, which in turn can be influenced by energy storage and other technologies. This complex system requires on the one hand that network operators can adjust to this and on the other hand that no unstable conditions emerge that could lead to large-scale power outages. One possibility, particularly locally, of how the production and consumption of energy can react to this in the future are intelligent microgrids. These microgrids can be connected to the main grid or form an autonomous system that unites renewable energy producers and consumers.

An interdisciplinary and international consortium led by the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes Energy Environment Agency is now investigating the potential of such microgrids in the Alpine region as part of the EU project ALPGRIDS. For this purpose, six existing plants in the five participating countries Germany, France, Austria, Italy and Slovenia are being expanded by the total twelve partners. In these areas, the the new evolving microgrid model will be tested and evaluated together with local energy actors. An important principle here is to create the necessary institutional, socio-cultural and economic framework to successfully establish microgrids in the regions.

Beyond the model, a set of guidelines will be developed to support national, regional and local decision makers in their energy and climate programs. The successful microgrid model will then be transferred to other organizations and regions outside the Alpine region.