EPIC-HUB

The goal of EPIC-HUB is to develop new methodology, architecture and services able to provide improved Energy Performances to Neighbourhoods (NBH), combining Energy-Hub-based Energy Optimization capabilities with a Seamless Integration of pre-existing energy ICT systems and other ICT system deployed.EPIC-HUB focuses on efficient Management, Control and Decision-Support Energy Policies at neighbourhood-level, defining an interoperable Middleware solution and a structured vision for the communities to use and share renewable energy sources, energy storage, and micro-generation, to consistently realise energy savings, reduce CO2 emissions and optimize energy usage.The EPIC-HUB Middleware will exploit the concept ofEnergy Hub and defines a 'neighbourhood-aware' energy trading platform aiming at improving Energy Efficiency and reducing the energy cost, taking into account Renewable Energy Sources as well as Electricity Grid stakeholders.From an energy point of view, the EPIC-HUB methodology models the neighbourhood as an Energy Hub or an aggregation of different Energy Hubs with their energy sources, storage devices and controllable loads.In EPIC-HUB methodological approach, the neighbourhood becomes a modular system able to grow up or scale down by adding or removing components and, at the same time, it can easily interact with other neighbourhoods and infrastructures extending the concept to interacting Energy Hubs. Furthermore the Interoperable approach of EPIC-HUB Middleware will allow to take into accountall ICT systems deployed, able to provide meaningful information and operational constraints to the Energy-Hub Running Model.To validate the adaptability of the EPIC-HUB approach, there will be involved different kind of pilots and then different kind of communities: the involvement of very challenging use-cases like Genoa Port, Belgrad Airport and Bilbao Exhibition/Fair Centre together with their surrounding neighbourhoods, will permit to involve critical infrastructures where an innovative approach to Energy Management can have great impact and very relevant results.The involvement of the Neighbourhoods operators together Energy utilities supplying pilot power and supported by the Local Public Authorities will allow EPIC-HUB to tackle Business Model development. In this way project results will be validated taking into account both economic and business benefits. Furthermore targeted outreach will be conducted to link EPIC-HUB to other European initiatives focused on Energy Efficiency aspects in neighbourhoods as theSmart Cities European initiative.