denmark: a european smart grid hub - Copenhagen Cleantech Cluster

Copenhagen Cleantech ClusterAppendices40PROJECTSEcoGrid EU – testing the intelligent power systemA full-scale test site: this is what Bornholm, a Danish island inthe Baltic Sea, functions as as part of the EcoGrid EU project,one of the most ambitious smart grid projects in the world.The vision is to create a complete energy system to act asa blueprint for the rest of Denmark and hopefully for othercountries.The key objective of the EcoGrid EU projectis to demonstrate the efficient operationof a distribution power system with a highpenetration of many and variable renewableenergy resources. This requires the activeuse of new communications technology andinnovative market solutions, involving a broadrange of companies in different fields. TheEcoGrid EU project will combine knowledgefrom previous EU-funded projects into alarge-scale demonstration which will make asubstantial contribution to a “Road map forEuropean Smart Grids deployment”.Creating solutions to reduce energy consumptionFinding the balance between fluctuatingenergy production and consumption is a realchallenge. To try to address this, part of theEcoGrid EU project will involve consumersdirectly by giving them a tool to help solve thisproblem. This will be in the form of a “smart”meter informing the consumers about realtimeprices, which will fluctuate according toproduction. They will then be able to preprogramtheir consumption to a certain price.The incentive for the consumers is to savethe environment and/or to potentially gainfinancial benefit.where the connection between Bornholmand the mainland is interrupted. This makes itpossible to observe the island as a full-scalemodel. In addition to this, a high proportion ofBornholm’s energy supply is based on windpower and other renewable energy resourceswhich give a degree of instability in energyproduction. This is a picture of the future forthe rest of the world when we will all rely onrenewable energy, making Bornholm perfectas a case study of the interaction betweenproduction, grid and consumption. This opportunityfor research in the area is expected toattract leading international researchers andcompanies to the project.Small island, big ambitionsFurthermore, the island’s new function as atest site for the EcoGrid EU project echoes itsown vision of the future. It is the aim of themunicipality of Bornholm that the island willbe known as 100 % reliant on sustainable andrenewable energy by 2014. Their ambitiousvision is not to be a green island, but to be thegreenest island in the world.Contact:Kim Behnkekbe@energinet.dkSource:energinet.dk/EN/FORSKNING/EcoGrid-EU/Formaal-og-koncept/Sider/Demonstrationssite-Bornholm.aspxwww.brk.dk/Bornholm/site.aspx?p=29Bornholm, the lab in the Baltic SeaBornholm is the ideal test and demonstrationsite for power systems. The island is able tooperate as an isolated energy system in cases