What we do
Decentralised small- and medium-size energy storage systems provide much greater operating flexibility than today’s energy systems. They ensure a reliable energy supply for buildings and districts and thus enable the integration of a high share of intermittent renewable energy sources. Yet, few such storage solutions are technically mature and economically viable at this stage. Wide-spread application is hindered by the existing legal and regulatory framework.
The project, Energy Local Storage Advanced system (ELSA), brings distributed storage solutions to maturity. Its objective is to enable their integration into the energy system and their commercial use. ELSA addresses existing development needs by combining 2nd life batteries with an innovative local ICT-based energy management system in order to develop a low-cost, scalable and easy-to-deploy battery energy storage system. These storage solutions are deployed as energy services. Existing legal and regulatory barriers are analysed and international standards are pushed forward. At the same time, ELSA develops innovative service-oriented business models. Sustainability and social acceptance are taken into account through comprehensive life-cycle and socio-economic impact assessments as well as the involvement of citizens and stakeholder groups.
ELSA further develops technology that is already close to maturity. ELSA storage systems will be applied in six demonstration sites representing several application contexts, and covering services such as grid congestion relief, local grid balancing, peak shaving, voltage support and regulation. Several feedback loops and the constant involvement of relevant stakeholders will guarantee the optimal implementation of the pilot sites and validation and, evaluation ensures scalability and feasibility beyond the project.
The work of ELSA is supported by an Advisory Board. It provides valuable feedback and advises the technical committee to assure the practical consistency of the outcomes and their concord with market expectations. The Advisory Board is composed of key players of the European energy sector as well as key users of future storage solutions.
