Innovative Materials for Sustainable Energy: Life Cycle Assessment of Permanent Magnets. Nr.FEI/ANM/2024/P-3, project executor Dr.sc.ing. Svetlana Orlova
In the frame of this project, a comprehensive Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) of permanent magnets was conducted to evaluate and reduce their environmental impact. In line with the European Green Deal and the Ecodesign Directive, efforts focused on identifying sustainable alternatives to rare-earth magnets and supporting the EU's goal of achieving climate neutrality by 2050. Key measures included exploring the possibility of establishing an integrated research unit dedicated to developing sustainable energy solutions, particularly for wind energy, as well as analyzing new designs of electric machines using new permanent magnet materials. A scientific-analytical report and a roadmap for developing the research topic within the consolidated EDI were successfully prepared.
Digital Transformation of Energy Systems for Enhanced Smart Grid Functionality and Efficiency, FEI/ANM/2024/P-5, project executor Dr.sc.ing. Anna Mutule
The DigEnergy project addresses the critical challenges associated with the modernization and digitalization of power systems, necessitated by the growing integration of renewable energy sources (RES) and distributed energy resources (DER). The project focused on advancing smart grid technologies, identifying key areas for improvement in grid reliability, flexibility, and cybersecurity. Two deliverables were produced: the first analyzed state-of-the-art digitalization techniques and methodologies for smart grid integration, while the second provided a strategic roadmap for future research and development in smart grid digitalization at EDI. Key technological advancements, such as Phasor Measurement Units (PMUs) and Wide Area Monitoring Systems (WAMS), were highlighted for their potential to enhance system monitoring and operational efficiency. The project’s findings contribute to the development of a more resilient, efficient, and secure energy infrastructure, aligning with both Latvian and European goals for energy transition.
Challenges and opportunities for improving energy and environment system models, taking into account the development of technologies and systems interactions. No. FEI/ANM/2024/P-4, project executor Dr.sc.ing. Ivars Kudreņickis
The project addressed the state-of-art in the application of energy-environment system modelling tools. Two deliverables were produced. The first deliverable analysed the application of energy-environment system models during last five years period and focused to the TIMES-family modelling platforms and Balmorel model, with short analysis regarding the application of other modelling tools. Particular attention has been paid to the developments in TIMES-family modelling platforms’ structure. In the second section of the deliverable the key technologies providing sector coupling were highlighted. The second deliverable provided a strategic roadmap – recommendations for the further development of TIMES-Latvia energy-environment modelling platform at EDI. The recommendations have been structured in three principal sections: (i) improvements related to the TIMES-Latvia structure, (ii) combined use of TIMES-Latvia with other modelling tools, (iii) improvement of modelling EU energy and climate policy targets. The implementation of the recommendations ensures analysis of Latvia's path to the new EU Climate and energy targets and climate neutrality 2050 in a more comprehensive and precise manner.