In line with the EU Strategic Energy Technology – SET – Plan, where alternative renewable fuels and bioenergy are considered key pathways towards the Energy Union (Key Action 8), the projects

BALANCE and AMBITION

funded through the ECRIA (European Common Research and Innovation Agenda) instrument in Horizon2020, aim to develop a roadmap for integrated development of energy storage and bioenergy for Europe.

In particular, the technologies of reversible solid oxide cells – that allow to radically improve the efficiency and flexibility of excess renewable electricity storage – and of second-generation biofuel production are seen as key enablers in the energy transition, technological leadership and industrial competitiveness of Europe.

In this half-day workshop, besides explaining the unique properties and challenges of these technology areas, an assessment was made of the support actions that are on-going in Europe, especially at Member State-level. The focus was on identifying the best practices in transferring core scientific knowledge to competitive advantage through innovation, safeguarding environmental sustainability.

Isabelle Südenmeyer presented the SmiLES project, bringing together the best practice of smart storage integration gained in national projects for simulation and optimisation of energy system and energy storage.

A policy paper was presented that concludes an in-depth mapping of stakeholders, competences and supporting instruments in European Member States. It is intended to provide support to the Implementation Working Group of Key Action 8 of the SET Plan in defining an updated innovation strategy for alternative fuels and bioenergy in Europe.

This workshop aimed to advocate the potential of reversible solid oxide cells and biofuel production through an aligned approach to the energy transition. It targeted decision-makers in technology development strategy, industrial stakeholders and the knowledge community engaged in the innovation of Europe’s core energy and mobility infrastructures.

The summary of the event is available at this link