The Interreg North West Europe (NWE) project STEPS comes to an end in September 2023. Time to share some of the successes the project has reached over the last years. The four STEPS-participants keen to be in the spotlight are: ZEBRA, XINTC, Volta Energy NL and Borg Energy Storage.
ZEBRA
On construction sites, events and remote areas, electrification is increasing to reduce the use of diesel in generators. Mobile batteries play an important role in this transition. But, how do you coordinate this with local renewable energy generators, such as solar panels? And how do you make sure a battery is fully charged when needed with a smart charging docking station? This is what ZEBRA has been looking into within the STEPS programme.
With this project, ZEBRA has expanded their optimization algorithms and explored new possibilities. They have achieved promising results with a concept called "linear programming", that allows them to optimally schedule the charging of multiple batteries into a predicted generation profile.
>> In this video ZEBRA explains how their smart energy management system and algorithm contribute to more greenenergy and less emissions.
XINTC
Dutch SME XINTC develops modular and scalable electrolysers. These electrolysers can produce hydrogen at any location, regardless of the type of energy source, making it suitable for converting solar and wind energy directly into hydrogen. Unique to the XINTC electrolyser is that it also functions well with fluctuating power supply, for example when a surplus of solar or wind energy is generated.
Within the STEPS business support programme, XINTC has been able to accelerate the research and development process, gaining valuable time to move closer to a more sustainable future.
>> See here which sustainable innovation XINTC is working on.
Volta Energy NL
Volta Energy NL offers sustainable mobile energy solutions. In the STEPS Business Support Programme they received support of Technische Universität Darmstadt, Universiteit Gent and Oost NL to further develop their product, build a prototype and explore new market possibilities.
>> Watch the video here to learn more about the testing and results.
Borg Energy Storage
Borg Energy Storage designed underground energy storage for houses. Their storage solution stores sustainable energy in an underground tank when there is a surplus, and uses this in the form of heat when there is demand. The STEPS Business Support Programme made it possible for them to test the prototype of their product at WoonFriesland in the Netherlands. This brought them a step closer to market readiness.
>> Look at their story in this video.