Project InterSTORE to simplify energy storage technology

A Horizon-funded project, InterSTORE (Interoperable open-source tools to enable hybridisation, utilisation, and monetisation of storage flexibility), has been launched with the aim to simplify and streamline energy storage technologies through a middleware solution.

Having started on 1 January 2023, InterSTORE aims to simplify and streamline the use of otherwise diverse storage technologies, to make full use of the critical asset’s potential.

InterSTORE cites how, although critical for modern energy systems, energy storage consists of an incredibly diverse array of solutions and technologies, each with very different characteristics.

The project thus seeks to develop an integrative solution through middleware that, while virtualising the technology, will simplify its use through what they describe as a technology-agnostic approach.

The project outcome is hoped to allow various Distributed Energy Storage (DES), Distributed Energy Resources (DER) and several new generation Energy Management Systems (EMS) to be integrated from different stakeholders.

This will be done while demonstrating the value of asset connection to common data space, reducing uncertainty and increasing acceptance by technology takers and final users.

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The project is a HORIZON Innovation Action, funded by the European Union with a total grant amount of approximately €3.5 million ($3.8 million).

For the project launch, a consortium gathered in Aachen, Germany, for a kick-off meeting that was followed by a visit to the Julich Energy Campus Living Lab.

The meeting announced the beginning of a cooperation that will deliver the 3-year long project. The consortium consists of 12 partners from Belgium, Germany, Austria, Italy, Slovenia, Spain and Portugal.

The middleware solution will be integrated both in open source and commercial platforms that will be incorporated in four large real-life demos to enhance the flexibility platforms and evaluate the new solution’s user acceptance and economic value.

The InterSTORE solution will become part of already running commercial platforms, aiming to ensure adoption beyond the project’s end.

The consortium has stated that they will ensure software maintenance will continue after the end of the project with the support of Linux Foundation Energy and that the work done will be considered by ongoing standardisation activities.