Overview
Europe’s electricity sector is experiencing severe transformations: modernization of the electricity system is vital for achieving Europe’s energy targets, and smart grids and flexible electricity systems are essential for this modernization. On this respect, the SMILE project will demonstrate different innovative technological and non-technological solutions in large-scale smart grid demonstration projects in the Orkneys, Samsø and Madeira islands, paving the way for their introduction in the market in the near future.
The overall objective is to pave the way for their introduction in the market in the near future.
The technological solutions vary from integration of battery technology, power to heat, power to fuel, pumped hydro, electric vehicles, electricity stored on board of boats, an aggregator approach to demand side management (DSM) and predictive algorithms.
Three large-scale pilot projects will be implemented in three different regions of Europe with similar topographic characteristics but different policies, regulations and energy markets - Madeira (Portugal), Orkneys (UK) and Samsø (Denmark) islands. The objective is to test solutions while establishing mutual learning processes and providing best practice guidance for replication in other regions.
The three pilots will test different combinations of technological solutions according to local specificities and conditions and the existing infrastructure and will involve all value chain actors needed to efficiently implement projects system-wide.
Moreover, cross-cutting activities among the pilots will be devoted to solve common technical, organizational, legal, regulatory and market-related issues as well as to evaluate the solutions from the economic and business points of view.