The Second StoRIES Summer School, focused on “Hybrid Energy Storage & Application-Oriented Solutions in Europe” and funded European Union’s Horizon 2020 Research and Innovation Programme under Grant Agreement No. 101036910, took place in Rome between 3 June and 6 June 2024. Organised by Dr. Pınar Arpaçay, Dr. Myriam E. Gil Bardají and Prof. Stefano Passerini from Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Dr. Alessandra Tacca from Eni, and Dr. Roberto Scipioni from SINTEF Energy Research it brought together a diverse group of thirty-two early-stage researchers from twelve nationalities with a gender-balanced representation (eleven female and twenty-one male researchers).
The main objective of the Summer School was not only to provide a general overview of a combination of various energy storage technologies (electrochemical, chemical, thermal, electrical and mechanical energy storage), but to suggest innovative hybrid solutions at different levels (from smart buildings to off-grid & energy islands, mobility & transportation, grid transmission and distribution, and industrial grid generation applications) for early-career researchers. The event centred around key topics fostering discussions on smart buildings, with an emphasis on peak shaving for demand management, off-grid applications, and the development of hybrid energy storage solutions tailored for energy islands. It also covered the electrification and management of transport systems and site-integrated charging stations, grid applications aimed at deferring grid investments and enabling ancillary services to extend the lifespan of generating equipment, and industrial applications integrating hybrid electrical and thermal energy storage systems to harness large-scale renewable energy sources. Participants had the opportunity to gain insights from experts invited from various prestigious institutions and industries.
These invited speakers included Dr. Peter Fischer (Fraunhofer ICT), Prof. Linda Barelli (UNIPG), Dr. Davide Aloisio (CNR ITAE), Prof. Massimo Santarelli (POLITO), Dr. Davide de Michino (ENEL X), Dr. Francesco Mastopierro (AIT), Dr. Randell Johnson (Acelerex), Prof. Maria C. Falvo (SAP), Lorenzo Romagnoli (Magaldi), Prof. Asmae Berrada (UIR) and Dr. Giacomo Gorni (Eni). These presentations emphasised the StoRIES goal to identify research and development needs for hybridisation of energy storage systems in different use cases.
Furthermore, early-career researchers took part in various competitive categories, including best poster based on their scientific research and group work on case studies in hybrid energy storage, and their performances were evaluated by scientific jury members on various criteria. The EERA JP Energy Storage Best Poster Award (www.eera-energystorage.eu) were given based on the overall appearance, organisation, clarity, quality, and novelty of the research. Jakob Smith from TU Wien won first prize (awarded 300 euros), and Monica Giovannucci from UNIBO won second prize (awarded 200 euros). The best group work awards were evaluated on hybrid storage design, completeness, organisation, communication, presentation delivery, audience engagement, and overall interest. The best working group was invited to contribute as an early-stage researcher to the “StoRIES Roadmap / SRIA for Hybridisation of Energy Storage” which will be published in April 2025.
The collaborative efforts and discussions at the Second StoRIES Summer School emphasise the importance of joint initiatives in advancing hybrid energy storage solutions. This event provided a platform for knowledge exchange and innovation, contributing to the development of sustainable energy systems in Europe. With this Summer School, the StoRIES project aims at the creation and empowerment of a new generation of researchers and technologists with holistic competencies encompassing technical, environmental, economic, and societal aspects. We thank everyone involved in making this event successful and look forward to seeing you again next year.
Comments