Energy systems under pressure
Urban energy systems are under increasing pressure. Grid congestion is making it difficult to connect new housing, businesses and renewable energy projects, while the risk of disruptions and prolonged power outages is increasing. Critical infrastructure such as hospitals, communication systems, mobility and water management depends on a reliable electricity supply.
At the same time, existing backup solutions such as diesel generators are fossil-based and have limited scalability. Although technologies for local energy generation, storage and energy management are available, there is still limited knowledge about how they can be integrated into robust and practical microgrids in existing urban areas.
Microgrid as a solution
The ISLAND Field Lab focuses on developing and validating microgrids as an integrated solution for both grid congestion and energy security. Microgrids can generate, store and distribute energy locally and can temporarily operate independently from the central grid during disruptions.
Project partners Accu’t and Resourcefully are developing the technical components, including battery storage with islanding functionality and flexible local energy systems using energy management systems (EMS). Together with AMS Institute, TU Delft and the City of Amsterdam, they investigate how these technologies can be integrated into an existing urban environment.
The research focuses on four main areas. First, it examines how different technologies can work together within a local urban energy system. Second, it investigates the reliability of the system, including the transition between on-grid and off-grid operation. Third, it explores how ownership, management and energy distribution can be organized. Finally, it looks at how microgrids can be integrated into existing spatial structures and user practices.
Energy systems under pressure
Urban energy systems are under increasing pressure. Grid congestion is making it difficult to connect new housing, businesses and renewable energy projects, while the risk of disruptions and prolonged power outages is increasing. Critical infrastructure such as hospitals, communication systems, mobility and water management depends on a reliable electricity supply.
At the same time, existing backup solutions such as diesel generators are fossil-based and have limited scalability. Although technologies for local energy generation, storage and energy management are available, there is still limited knowledge about how they can be integrated into robust and practical microgrids in existing urban areas.
Microgrid as a solution
The ISLAND Field Lab focuses on developing and validating microgrids as an integrated solution for both grid congestion and energy security. Microgrids can generate, store and distribute energy locally and can temporarily operate independently from the central grid during disruptions.
Project partners Accu’t and Resourcefully are developing the technical components, including battery storage with islanding functionality and flexible local energy systems using energy management systems (EMS). Together with AMS Institute, TU Delft and the City of Amsterdam, they investigate how these technologies can be integrated into an existing urban environment.
The research focuses on four main areas. First, it examines how different technologies can work together within a local urban energy system. Second, it investigates the reliability of the system, including the transition between on-grid and off-grid operation. Third, it explores how ownership, management and energy distribution can be organized. Finally, it looks at how microgrids can be integrated into existing spatial structures and user practices.
The microgrid concept will be designed and tested at Building 27 on the Marineterrein in Amsterdam. The project will study its integration with existing infrastructure, including 1,000 solar panels, as well as its performance under grid congestion and during scenarios involving prolonged power outages. The Living Lab approach of AMS Institute allows the system to be developed and tested iteratively with relevant stakeholders in a controlled urban environment.
Results
Tested and validated microgrid concept
A microgrid design for Building 27 at the Marineterrein, including practical testing and validation of the system in an urban environment and during the transition between on-grid and off-grid operation.
Design principles for urban microgrids
Insight into the role and functioning of microgrids in an urban context, combined with an integrated sociotechnical framework for their design and implementation. This includes technical, organizational, spatial and social aspects.
Blueprint and opportunities for scaling
A practical blueprint and implementation guidelines for urban microgrids, together with design principles for application in other urban areas. GIS analyses will be used to identify promising locations for replicating the microgrid concept in Amsterdam.
The insights from the ISLAND Field Lab will show how microgrids can help reduce grid congestion and maintain energy supply during prolonged power outages. The project will also provide practical guidance for applying these systems in other urban areas.
Impact
Societal impact
The project will contribute to more resilient urban energy systems by investigating how critical functions can remain operational during grid congestion and prolonged power outages. It also supports the energy transition by exploring fossil-free solutions and provides applicable design principles for similar urban areas.
Scientific impact
The project will generate new knowledge about the integration of microgrids in urban environments, including the interaction between technology, users, governance and spatial integration. It will also provide insight into the functioning of systems with islanding functionality.
Economic impact
The project will contribute to the development of new products and services for energy storage and energy management. These solutions have potential for scaling to other urban areas and for application in national and European markets.
This fieldlab is one of three fieldlabs launching at the Marineterrein in Amsterdam with funding from CLICKNL. The other two fieldlabs focus on robust crisis communication (Fieldlab New Path Networks) and on green facades (Fieldlab Groeiende Gevels).
The field labs bring together a broad network of partners, each contributing its own expertise, ranging from scientific research and design to technological development, data collection and practical application. By developing, testing and refining innovations in real-world settings, the partners aim to move from experimentation to wider application in Amsterdam and other cities.
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Partners
