The Project
BACKGROUND
The ECLIPSE project emerges in response to significant energy challenges facing the EU and the world. These challenges are exacerbated by volatile energy prices and geopolitical tensions, such as the disruption of Europe’s gas supply due to the Russian invasion of Ukraine. In this context, there is an urgent need for resilient and sustainable energy solutions.
Digital technologies offer a promising pathway to address these issues, with substantial potential for increasing energy efficiency, reducing costs, and lowering greenhouse gas emissions. Existing applications allow consumers to monitor and manage their energy consumption, fostering more informed and sustainable usage patterns. The working activities and the ECLIPSE partnership have purposely been built upon previous official works addressing the CERF for energy-saving applications, such as the study by ETRA (ECLIPSE coordinator) “Landscape analysis for energy platforms/consumer applications.”
Recognizing this potential, the European Commission adopted the “Digitalising the Energy System – EU Action Plan” in October 2022, advocating for a secure, transparent, and competitive market for digital energy services. ECLIPSE aligns with this vision by aiming to implement and demonstrate the Common European Reference Framework (CERF) for energy consumer applications across the EU.
By leveraging digital technologies, ECLIPSE seeks to empower consumers, enhance grid stability, and contribute to the EU’s broader climate and energy independence goals. This initiative builds on previous research and aligns with key EU policies, including the European Climate Law and the REPowerEU plan, to foster a sustainable and resilient energy future.
Following this strategic approach, ECLIPSE aims to achieve the following five objectives:
Develop an Open-Source Framework:
To develop, deploy, and demonstrate an open-source reference framework for energy consumer applications across the EU.
Enable Voluntary Energy Reductions:
To enable voluntary energy consumption reductions based on recommendations and/or actions from grid operators and/or other relevant stakeholders.
Stimulate Demand Response:
To stimulate demand response and reinforce the stability and resilience of electricity grids.
Secure and Efficient Data Exchange:
To exchange relevant energy data in a secure and efficient manner while adhering to EU data protection regulations
Promote CERF Adoption:
To promote the widespread adoption of the Common European Reference Framework (CERF) for energy-saving applications throughout the EU.
ECLIPSE holistic approach aims to encourage energy efficiency and sustainable practices among consumers, contributing to a greener and more resilient energy future for Europe.
EXPECTED RESULTS & IMPACT:
The ECLIPSE Project is set to transform energy management for consumers across Europe by developing a Common European Reference Framework (CERF). This scalable and interoperable framework will enable the creation of applications that encourage voluntary energy reductions. It will integrate features such as eco-tips, blackout prevention strategies, cost-saving measures, and incentives for load shifting to promote sustainable energy use.
ECLIPSE will establish specifications for digital environments that offer real-time feedback on energy mix, local grid status, electricity consumption, and savings advice. Using machine learning and AI, these apps will provide personalized recommendations based on consumption patterns and grid conditions, helping users reduce their energy use and environmental impact.
The project will collaborate with energy stakeholders to incorporate best practices from existing solutions. The CERF will feature standard interfaces and protocols to ensure interoperability among various energy-saving applications, reducing market barriers and boosting consumer confidence and investment in energy-efficient products.
ECLIPSE will deploy and demonstrate the CERF across 17 EU countries, involving 10 DSOs and TSOs, 2 retailers, and 8 energy R&D firms. This deployment will enhance consumer engagement, support demand response strategies, and improve grid stability and resilience. The framework will facilitate better management of electricity consumption by responding to grid signals and market conditions and support the integration of distributed energy resources (DERs) and renewables, optimizing grid performance through advanced AI tools.
