NOK 35 million for major energy projects
‘It is important that we make better use of the capacity and flexibility of the power system than we do today. That is why research in this area is valuable, and the projects now receiving support show promising potential to get more out of existing infrastructure. This, in turn, will enable us to realise more opportunities in Norway,’ says Minister of Energy Terje Aasland.
Together with the Research Council of Norway and Enova, we run PILOT-E, a seamless scheme that helps businesses bring ideas for environmentally friendly energy technology to market faster.
'Norwegian companies and research communities are at the forefront of power systems, and these projects reflect that. They can help make our energy supply more climate-friendly and better equip Norway to meet future energy needs,' says our CEO, Håkon Haugli.
Projects receiving funding:
Ren AS and its seven partners will receive NOK 11.5 million in grants to develop software and new technology for real-time cable condition monitoring. This will make better use of the existing cable network, increase transmission capacity by up to 70 per cent and enable more efficient operation of the power grid.
TINFOS AS and its partner Kelda Kraft AS will receive NOK 9.7 million to develop solutions that enable run-of-river and small-scale hydropower to serve as flexibility resources. Traditionally, flexibility is provided by controlling large loads, reservoir hydropower or batteries. The partners will develop an intelligent control system that, together with a supercapacitor, will enable small-scale and run-of-river hydropower to participate in the frequency market.
Karmsund havn IKS and six partners will receive NOK 13 million for a project to develop smart energy solutions that increase the flexibility available at ports, enabling optimal use of the existing grid. Industrial processes and transport systems at ports are becoming increasingly interdependent, creating opportunities for better interaction and coordination of port resources.
FACTS ABOUT PILOT-E:
• PILOT-E is a funding programme for Norwegian businesses, established by the Research Council of Norway, Innovation Norway and Enova.
• Since its launch in 2016, the programme has funded 29 projects, helping them move from research to full-scale deployment faster and with greater focus.
• PILOT-E aims to accelerate the development and adoption of entirely new products and services in environmentally friendly energy technology.
• PILOT-E coordinates the available public funding schemes, providing greater predictability of support, closer follow-up and stronger coordination.
• PILOT-E aims to reduce risk for businesses and give them a stronger basis for planning, helping them bring new solutions all the way to market.
• PILOT-E is supported by the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Fisheries, the Ministry of Climate and Environment, the Ministry of Energy and the Ministry of Transport.