Cloud Computing as an Enabler of Large Scale Variable Distributed Energy Solutions (BCDC Energy)

Public description of the goals at the beginning of the project

The project ’Cloud computing as an enabler of large scale variable distributed energy solutions: Bright Clouds – Dark Clouds’ (BCDC) will produce research-based models for the development of variable distributed production of energy. The Consortium aims to find solutions that allow large applications of renewable resources in cost efficient ways. We study how economic market mechanisms, combined with new generation ICT and digital services and modern weather forecasts, enable this goal. A main goal of the project is to develop a cloud-computing-based marketplace for electricity trading where all the above mentioned items can be combined. The utilization of project deliverables shall be enhanced through a knowledge management interaction model. The aim of the interaction model is to establish an active community where members share knowledge of distributed energy production and explore its possibilities.

Public description of the results at the end of the project

Wind and solar power play key roles in achieving a carbon free energy sector. Their electricity production is dependent on weather and thus variable by nature. This increases the production uncertainty and price volatility in the electricity system. Balancing production variability creates cost pressures for the entire electricity system. In BCDC Energy we have provided solutions to the problem of renewable electricity production variability. Our main results (i) show, how the cost-effectiveness of variable renewable energy production can be improved when integrating it into the system, (ii) provide mechanisms to activate consumption flexibility and generate mechanisms for improving the awareness of energy consumption, and iii) indicate differences in consumers' energy information literacy. Moreover we (iv) have developed and disseminated an Energy Weather Forecast, and (v) produced new generation ICT and digital solutions for the need of the energy market transition.