This week we travel to Northern Ireland to discover another project partner: Derry City and Strabane District Council, which has competence delivering initiatives to enhance the region for all citizens. They have a significant track record applying Smart City solutions in their region, what has been recognised at EU level, including, implementing measures to reduce energy consumption in council buildings and installation of IT system to collect data and monitor energy usage.

DCSDC will be an active partner by sharing potential solutions and tools that will be integrated in the Smart Energy Management Model, engaging with the local community and other key stakeholders, and piloting the solutions developed in Derry and Strabane region.

Use cases in Northern Ireland

DCSDC will develop a smart grid pilot project that integrates renewable energy, battery storage and smart energy management in the form of sensors and smart meters to monitor consumption and learn from user behaviour. "The development of a smart grid is a relatively new concept in Northern Ireland and DCSDC will be looking to utilise the expertise and knowledge of the EU partners who have already developed and successfully implemented smart grids", explains DCSDC Energy Manager, Leo Strawbridge.

The pilot project will consist of an electricity and heating network to power and heat a number of public buildings within a specific geographic boundary. Artificial Intelligence technology will record consumption data in conjunction with external weather conditions, energy performance of equipment, and learned user profile, to maximise energy efficiency and optimise the consumption of renewable energy produced.

"The SMARCTIC project is a logical extension to the SECURE Project and using the learning from this project will shape and enhance the proposed smart grid pilot project", continues Leo. In three-years' time, DCSDC expects to achieve the security of energy supply for the users, lower energy costs, better informed users and greater control of confort levels within the buildings.

According to the Energy Manager, the results of the SMARCTIC project will show reduced energy costs, greater use comfort and control and security of supply. "This is an innovative pilot project that will be easily replicated in other regions".