Renewable Energy SOlutions for URban communities based on Circular Economy policies and Dc backbones (RE-SOURCED)

CHALLENGE The increase of renewable energy goes hand in hand with a higher demand for materials like lithium, aluminium and copper. Reports urge for an energy transition with energy systems that are more sustainable, based on circular economy strategies. SOLUTION The aim of RE/SOURCED is to design and demonstrate a circular mid-scale and self-sufficient energy system in an urban environment. The site consists of (social) family houses, offices, a microbrewery and leisure and sporting facilities on a large heritage site called Transfo. The backbone of the system is a DC (direct current) power grid, offering efficiencies both in terms of energy savings (less conversion losses) and material use (more capacity with the same amount of metals/materials). The DC power grid links a collective set of distributed renewable resources (PV and wind) and energy storage (second-life batteries, pumped and flywheel storage in existing structures and vehicle-to-grid). The project proposal coincides with an acknowledgement of the site as a regulatory sandbox, for which the MUA is making preparations. A local energy community, in which all users participate, will manage the shared infrastructure and co-operation. The lighthouse, an operational circular smart grid, will nurture & engage citizens. An educational trajectory for citizens & children is designed and implemented. A training package for professionals enables other cities to adopt integrated circular energy systems.