In the Austrian flagship project Clean Energy for Tourism (CE4T)1, innovative technologies and products for decarbonising ski resorts are being developed and tested. To do this, Salzburg’s ski resorts are being equipped with state-of-the-art energy control technology and specially developed optimisation algorithms are being used to coordinate different energy-intensive processes with one another and exploit areas of flexibility. The goal of optimising and managing the various areas of energy flexibility within the ski resorts (e.g. the pumps, snow machines, PV systems, e-charging stations, etc.) is to increase energy efficiency and take some of the pressure off the power grids. By storing surplus energy in Salzburg AG’s storage power plants in the off-season and getting other local industries (such as hotels and spas) involved, the expansion and integration of renewable energy sources are to be promoted.
Integrated energy management
However, unlike in industry, for example, there is no solution for comprehensive energy management for ski resorts on the market today that integrates the many energy-intensive processes such as snowmaking, powering the ski lifts, grooming the slopes, running the restaurants, and providing mobility all in one system. The project develops and implements tried-and-tested optimisation algorithms, related interfaces, and an ICT framework to maximise energy efficiency, integrate renewable energy sources, and make use of opportunities for flexibility in the ski resorts’ energy requirements. The aim is to achieve an integrative and systemic optimisation that covers the entire winter tourism region, the energy supply system, and the electricity market. The new technologies and solutions are developed in a co-creative process with energy suppliers, grid operators, technology providers, and ski resort operators. They should help to make the most efficient use of existing infrastructures and optimise them in terms of the energy network and the electricity market. The plan is for the solutions to be transferable to other areas within Austria’s tourist industry as well as to other countries and other energy-intensive industries.
Current highlights
> The optimisation calculation for controlling flexibilities has been implemented for the first ski resorts. In the summer of 2020, the first algorithm-based filling of a reservoir took place in the Schmittenhöhenbahn ski area.2
> The planning tool for integrating renewable energies and technologies was developed.3
> A prototype was created for the energy management system.4
> Mittels Using a KPI (Key Performance Indicator) system, the ski resorts can be compared in future and the effects on the CO2 balance can be shown.5
www.nefi.at/ce4t-clean-energy-for-tourism
1 PROJECT PARTNERS:
Salzburg AG (project management), ski resorts: Oberpinzgauer Fremdenverkehrsförderungs- und Bergbahnen AG, Hinterglemmer Bergbahnen GmbH, Saalbacher Bergbahnen GmbH, Schmittenhöhebahn AG, Gletscherbahnen Kaprun AG, Rauriser Hochalmbahnen AG, Bergbahnen Fieberbrunn GmbH, Leoganger Bergbahnen GmbH, BBSH Bergbahnen Saalbach-Hinterglemm GmbH, sattler energie consulting GmbH
RESEARCH PARNERS:
AIT Austrian Institute of Technology GmbH, University of Leoben/Chair of Energy Network Technology
TECHNOLOGY PARTNERS:
World-Direct eBusiness solutions GmbH, BEST – Bioenergy and Sustainable Technologies GmbH, Faradis GmbH, sattler energie consulting GmbH
2 AIT (algorithm), World Direct (control and data management), Salzburg AG (energy industry and energy markets)
3 BEST (algorithm), Salzburg AG (energy industry and energy markets)
4/5 AIT
6 AIT, World Direct
CE4T is a project of the flagship region NEFI – New Energy for Industry.
www.nefi.at