As we reach the end of another year, it is a great opportunity to reflect on the significant advancements and achievements made by the i-STENTORE Project. This groundbreaking project has been at the forefront of examining the integration of diverse storage solutions, aiming to revolutionise how we perceive and utilise energy storage within modern power grids.
The Vision of i-STENTORE
The i-STENTORE Project set out with an ambitious vision: to explore and demonstrate the potential of innovative storage systems and their co-operation with integrated assets. The ultimate goals were clear—enhancing reliability, ensuring high power quality, achieving cost-efficient operations, and maximising the lifetime of assets.
Through the introduction of an umbrella framework, i-STENTORE is showcasing both stand-alone and hybrid storage solutions. These efforts have not only highlighted the multi-purpose use of storage but have also positioned storage as an active grid component capable of providing critical services.
Key Achievements of 2024
1. Project Meetings
The i-STENTORE Project held a series of dynamic and collaborative meetings over the year, which were crucial for guiding the project’s direction. This included three Plenary Meetings (Porto, Luxembourg, and Coimbra), several Collaboration Meetings with other projects funded under the same call, as well as meetings focused on energy efficiency initiatives. By prioritising open communication and inclusive participation, the project ensured that all voices were heard, contributing to the refinement of strategies and the successful advancement of the project’s objectives.
2. Demonstration Pilots
The i-STENTORE Project is currently making significant strides through a series of ongoing demonstration pilots that are addressing energy storage challenges across Europe. In Greece, the Living Lab is actively exploring a diverse array of renewable energy sources alongside energy storage technologies. Slovenia’s Demo 1 is in progress, showcasing the potential of Molten Glass Thermal Storage to enhance renewable energy utilization. Meanwhile, Demo 2 in Portugal is working on integrating Pump-Hydro with Battery Energy Storage Systems to improve energy efficiency. Spain’s Demo 3 is in development, aiming to launch a Virtual Energy Storage System that will facilitate the integration of renewable energy. Demo 4 in Italy is focused on creating a Cooperative Modular Multi-hybrid Energy Storage System designed for e-mobility services. Lastly, Demo 5 in Luxembourg is in the process of establishing an Agri-PV Farm with energy storage capabilities, highlighting the agricultural sector’s role in sustainable energy systems. Each of these pilots is generating valuable insights that will inform the ongoing development of future energy storage solutions.
3. Event Participation
The i-STENTORE Project participated in several key events throughout the year to showcase its advancements in energy storage. Highlights include the Lisbon Energy Summit from May 27-29, where they discussed storage integration in power grids, and the PEDG 2024 conference in Luxembourg from June 23-26, focusing on power electronics and energy storage systems. In October, they contributed significantly at ENLIT 2024 in Milan and WEBIT 2024 in Sofia, engaging with global leaders on sustainable energy practices. These events enhanced the project’s visibility and fostered collaboration with industry stakeholders.
4. Energy Talks
The i-STENTORE Project, in collaboration with AGISTIN, SINNOGENES, and 2LIPP, has launched a groundbreaking series of collaborative Energy Talks aimed at transforming knowledge exchange and networking within the energy sector. The series included discussions on a range of pertinent topics, such as the latest advancements in energy storage solutions, strategies for integrating storage with industrial needs and grid codes, the critical role of battery storage in enhancing energy resilience, transitioning to green technologies using existing infrastructure, and assessing the environmental impact of energy storage systems from a life cycle perspective. The upcoming Energy Talk is scheduled for January 29, 2025. Sign up here to secure your spot.
5. Research Articles
The i-STENTORE Project has led to numerous significant scientific publications by its partners, focusing on advancements in energy storage. Key studies include an examination of financial optimization in battery energy storage systems (BESSs), advanced grid management techniques, and the application of AI in predicting hydro reservoir inflows. Additional research covers economic dispatch algorithms for isolated systems, virtual energy storage solutions, and innovative strategies for hybrid systems and multi-use operations. These publications collectively enhance the understanding and application of energy storage technologies. Explore further information about these publications here.
Envisioning the Future
As we look forward to the coming year, the i-STENTORE Project remains committed to pushing the boundaries of energy storage integration. Building on the success of this year, the project aims to further refine its models, expand collaborative efforts, and continue to drive innovation in the field. As we enter the last phases of the project, we will focus on finalising key deliverables, ensuring thorough testing and validation of our solutions. This crucial stage will not only solidify our achievements but also set the groundwork for future advancements in energy storage technology.
Stay tuned for more updates as i-STENTORE continues to lead the charge in redefining energy storage and its role in modern power grids.
