WeForming Services Co-Creation, Business Models, Functional Specifications and Reference Architecture (1st version)

The report examines the adoption of smart grid technologies in the EU and the role of end users, highlighting challenges and strategies for public engagement (Chapter 2). It discusses the importance of educating building users, identifying barriers, and engaging end users through different methods. To better understand the views of end users on iGFBs, a survey was distributed among demo users. It revealed users interest in energy efficiency but a lack of knowledge about smart grid technologies. The chapter concludes by emphasizing that addressing knowledge gaps, costs, and security concerns is crucial for the successful implementation and widespread adoption of smart grids in both commercial and residential buildings.

This report also discusses several novel Business Models (Chapter 3) have been analysed for single-use and multi-use iGFBs. This report provides an overview of existing revenue opportunities across Europe, highlighting the development of Citizens Communities, Mobility Initiatives, Commercial Buildings, and Industry. The regulatory situation is analysed showing in Belgium, Croatia, Germany, Greece, Luxembourg, Portugal and Spain, underscoring diverse regulatory landscapes across these countries, each facing unique challenges and making varied progress towards efficient energy management and integration of innovative energy systems. The analysis then delves into potential future business models for both single-use and multi-use iGFBs, exploring core functionalities such as thermal storage optimization and solar PV self-consumption, identifying stakeholders like building managers and grid operators, and proposing business models following the concepts of One Stop Shop Concept (OSS), Product as a Service (PaaS), Innovative Financing Schemes (IFS) and New Revenue Models (NRM) to capitalize on the distinctive advantages of these buildings while tackling integration, cost-benefit analysis, and risk assessment challenges. A SWOT analysis and the Lean Model Canvas is provided for each of the Business Models.

The interoperability aspect is highlighted throughout the report, particularly on Chapter 4. Interoperability in modern energy systems is essential for efficient and sustainable energy management, enabling seamless data exchange and functional compatibility across diverse technological platforms. This ensures effective collaboration between consumer interfaces, distributed energy resources (DERs), and large-scale utility plants. Driven by market demands and global shifts towards renewable energy and smart grids, interoperability facilitates optimal resource utilization, enhances grid stability, and supports the integration of renewable energy sources. Standardization bodies like ETSI play a crucial role in developing and validating interoperability standards, which promote regulatory compliance and foster innovation. The adoption of advanced integration technologies, such as microgrid controllers, building energy management systems (BEMS), and edge computing platforms, further enhances system efficiency and reliability. Robust interfaces underpin these systems, enabling real-time data analysis and decision-making, which are pivotal for maintaining grid stability, optimizing energy use, and advancing sustainable energy goals.

Finally, details the development process for the WeForming Reference Architecture (RA) is addressed on Chapter 5. It commences with a comprehensive analysis of existing reference architecture models, with a particular focus on those emanating from European initiatives and research projects relevant to this field. Subsequently, the chapter explores the rationale behind utilizing Data Spaces within the context of intelligent Grid-Forming Buildings (iGFBs). The proposed approach centres on the core value proposition of sovereign data management, secure and environmentally conscious data sharing, peer-to-peer collaboration, inclusive power demand response programs, high-fidelity data descriptions, and user-centric service catalogues. Finally, Chapter 4 presents the initial version of the WeForming RA itself, outlining both the data flow perspective and the logical definition of its hierarchical structure.