ALICE - digitAl renewabLe dIstrict energy CommunitiEs

The cooling capacity demand in the EU and worldwide is estimated to grow faster than the number of installed cooling units. In this regard, the EC
considers District Cooling (DC) systems as one of the pillars for achieving energy efficiency improvement in the cooling sector. However, the
penetration of renewables (RE) in these networks is currently negligible. Therefore, it is compulsory to push for both the development of dedicated
technology and knowledge for RE-based DC and the implementation of new business models to support the technical developments and to
overcome the social and regulatory barriers they encounter. That is why ALICE will focus on (i) the development of smart system-wide solutions for
optimal planning and operation as an essential contributor to enhance DC systems performance in terms of RES penetration, energy efficiency and
cost-effectiveness; and (ii) the implementation of a new framework based on Renewable Energy Community (REC) concepts which, unlike the
current ?vertical? business models, will enable system optimization and consumer engagement by providing the community with the tools to
empower its members while raising the social awareness of the technical and social benefits of RE-based DC among all the stakeholders. This will
translate into clear positive impacts, namely 100% local RES utilization, 45% energy efficiency improvement, 100% exploitation of thermal
flexibility, 20% less energy costs and 100% comfort.