Page 25 - European Energy Innovation magazine - spring 2023 edition

Spring 2023 European Energy Innovation
DECARBONISATION 25

are as carbon-free as possible – of the European Commission and the At the beginning of every
electricity first. In a second step it will to shape these transformation transformation process, it is
must be checked whether system- processes. At first glance, the road important to demonstrate that a
related energy, mostly in the form is a rocky one, but it is nevertheless new technology or system can be
of heat, can be recovered or used in necessary. implemented. The promotion of large
some other way. Sustainability, costs, lighthouse projects is suitable for
security of supply and efficiency are Municipalities and industry are this. To create a broad impact on the
all high on the list of requirements closely monitoring the various masses, however, many medium-
and want to be met. funding opportunities (like horizon sized and smaller projects must
framework, Innovation Fund, Life, now also be funded to benefit from
An example of new coupled solutions CEF,…) offered by the EU. However, scaling. The aim and framework
in this segment is the use of waste it has been shown again and again should always be focused on the
heat from data centers for supplying that these calls are extremely climate impact. It is necessary that
local district heating networks. In oversubscribed, i.e. the probability service providers and contractors
the past, the temperature levels of funding is low and at the same are also included in the general
were too different and using the time there is a lot of effort involved in conditions.
waste heat was inefficient. But with preparing application documents. In
the development of our ectogrid most cases, this acts as a deterrent Industries and cities, with their high
TM
technology, there now exists a new to participating in the calls. And emissions, face enormous challenges
way of doing that. E.ON ectogrid is a it is not only CAPEX funding is on the road to climate neutrality. We
TM
complete energy system for heating important, but OPEX funding as well. are convinced that the transformation
and cooling that enables the sharing, Recently, CCfDs (Carbon Contracts can only succeed with intelligent
balancing and storage of energy for for Difference) have been increasingly solutions that are at the same time
entire neighborhoods and cities and discussed. decentralised, future-proof, and
can thus help achieve zero emissions. above all, efficient. In the E.ON Energy
Due to the complexity, new forms Recently, CCfDs offer the possibility Infrastructure Solutions unit, we're
of cooperation must be developed of taking out risk for the operator working to provide industries and
first by introducing new actors. For by means of a fixed contract price. cities with tailored energy solutions
example, municipal heating planning, At second glance, however, it is that meet these requirements –
which introduces further framework unclear to what extent this funding whether it's heating, cooling, power
conditions into the process, plays a instrument contributes to planning generation, or energy efficiency.
decisive role. security. Because it is not possible We are convinced that strong
to create a business case in which partnerships can bring ecology and
The European Commission and there is no certainty about possible economy together and thus create
national legislators are pushing the repayments. In any case, the funding unimagined joint opportunities –
energy transformation with legislative instruments for both CAPEX and benefit from unconventional ideas,
packages and funding programs. We OPEX funding should be further amazing synergies, and lower energy
expressly welcome the commitment developed. costs. l

Contact details
Dr. Patrick Ester has been working on research and innovation topics
in the energy industry for more than 15 years. Decarbonisation is the
order of the day and the basis for the transition to the solar age.
That’s why he is very happy to be able to promote the energy and heat
transition within E.ON as a change maker. Today Patrick is responsible
for the Value Pool Public Funding within E.ON Energy Infrastructure
Solutions (EIS).
Get in touch: patrick.ester@eon.com
More about Patrick:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-patrick-ester-48426590/
More about E.ON Energy Infrastructure Solutions:
http://www.eon.com/eis

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