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System Evergreen AG and NEX2 Collaborate on GLOCALFLEX Project for Sustainable Residential Communities in Switzerland

The H2 Vector, Hydrogen for Residential Use

Introduction
System Evergreen AG and NEX2 have partnered with a utility company in a groundbreaking Swiss-European project, GLOCALFLEX, focused on sustainability. This initiative will explore the use of a Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) Car Charger from NEX2 to enhance energy efficiency in a condominium complex in the metropolitan area of Lugano.

Project Overview: The GLOCALFLEX Initiative

System Evergreen AG is excited to kick off this experimental project as part of the GLOCALFLEX partnership. The initiative will test the viability of the V2G Car Charger from Italian manufacturer NEX2, aiming to:

  • Increase the flexibility and efficiency of renewable energy in residential spaces.
  • Reduce CO₂ emissions and meet all energy demands of residents, including summer cooling.
  • Optimize storage and usage of excess solar energy produced onsite.

The pilot project will be conducted in a condominium complex in Ticino:

  • Consists of four nearly Zero Energy Buildings (nZEB) and one Zero Energy Building (ZEB).
  • Designed to be eco-friendly, operational since 2017-2019.
  • Uses an electric vehicle as a power bank to optimize storage and distribution of solar energy within the residential community.

Key Features of the Complex

In collaboration with SUPSI (University of Applied Sciences and Arts of Southern Switzerland), System Evergreen AG has been monitoring and analyzing the energy production and consumption of the complex for years. Notable achievements include:

  • 100 MWh/year of onsite solar energy generation through 100 kWp of installed capacity.
  • 36 MWh/year of direct self-consumption of onsite-produced electricity.
  • 24 MWh/year of deferred energy usage via five storage systems with about 110 kWh of battery capacity.
  • 40 MWh/year contribution to the grid during favorable daytime hours.
  • 80 MWh/year grid import during nighttime and less favorable seasons (late autumn and winter).
  • A notably limited energy deficit, with substantial room for improvement through hydrogen and electric vehicle (EV) storage solutions.

Exploring V2G Car Charger and Electric Vehicle Integration

Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) Technology Explained

As part of this pilot, System Evergreen AG will install a bidirectional V2G Car Charger by NEX2. Unlike traditional Vehicle-to-Home (V2H) chargers, the V2G system:

  • Allows on-demand energy storage and release, especially at night.
  • Supports the building’s energy needs in synergy with the 50 kWh of stationary batteries already installed.

The electric vehicle paired with this system, equipped with over 60 kWh of battery capacity, will serve as an additional power bank during the six-month test period, helping meet energy demands during solar-friendly seasons.

Long-Term Potential and Car-Sharing Considerations

After six months, the project will evaluate:

  • Electric vehicle integration with the condominium’s energy grid.
  • The impact of EV availability on overall energy efficiency.

Future plans may include a mini-fleet of EVs for car-sharing within the condominium, maximizing the potential of electric vehicles as shared resources.

Monitoring, Scientific Collaboration, and Future Impact

This pilot project, funded by SEFRI, will be closely monitored by System Evergreen AG with support from CSEM in Lausanne and SUPSI in Lugano. The VTT Finland will lead project oversight and reporting as the head of GLOCALFLEX.

Project Timeline and Data Collection

The project’s 24-month monitoring period will gather critical data on:

  • Performance and usage metrics for energy storage and consumption.
  • Key insights to inform the development of energy community models in residential spaces.

A Vision for Sustainable Energy Communities

System Evergreen AG and its partners are committed to the energy transition and the development of sustainable, flexible, and shareable energy solutions. The GLOCALFLEX project marks a significant milestone in this journey, helping build more autonomous, integrated, and efficient residential energy communities.

Explore the Future of Sustainable Energy
Join System Evergreen AG in pioneering new solutions for a greener tomorrow. Learn more at www.glocalflex.eu

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Giuseppe Macario

CEO & Senior Executive Project Director at System Evergreen AG

CategoriesHydrogen,  New Technologies

TuttoGreen: The H2 Vector, Hydrogen for Residential Use

The H2 Vector, Hydrogen for Residential Use

Below is my article, originally published in the magazine TuttoGreen (2nd edition, July 2022), available here (in Italian).

The H2 Vector: Hydrogen for Residential Use Even in construction, technology is increasingly turning “green.” An nZEB-type residential building will use the H2 vector (the hydrogen molecule) to store energy during the summer season, which will be needed for its energy requirements during the winter season, respecting an energy “consumption smoothing.” A dream that becomes reality!

Buildings that are increasingly environmentally friendly Energy crisis and climate change? For several decades, we have been striving to build in a more respectful and conscious manner, paying attention to energy efficiency. Civil engineering has made significant progress in this regard, leading to the creation of standards defined as nZEB (nearly Zero Energy Building), i.e., buildings with high energy efficiency. In fact, building operations are responsible for 36% of global emissions. For these and other reasons, saving energy in the construction sector is considered one of the primary goals for more sustainable development.

In the last 10 years, some engineering companies (the data here was obtained from System Evergreen AG – Lugano) have chosen to invest part of their time and resources to perfect the modeling of nZEB and ZEB buildings. Analyses conducted on some engineering projects carried out between 2013 and 2018 in Ticino show that:

  • It is possible to efficiently construct nZEB buildings, limiting additional investments to a range of 10-12 percentage points of the construction costs of new buildings;
  • This extra investment can be recovered within the first 6-8 years of operation, thanks to reduced operating costs, eventually producing extra income over time;
  • Tenants prefer, with equal rental costs, to lease nZEB units due to their qualitative features and the inherent comfort of the buildings;
  • A theoretical energy balance is possible in nZEB (depending on whether the building is residential or commercial), with the following contributions of renewable energy:
    • 280 to 330 Wp per square meter of built area from installed photovoltaic panels;
    • 420 to 470 Wt per square meter of built area from geothermal probes.

The data analyses gathered from the experimental construction (five-year experience) of the first nZEB buildings, along with research, reviews of pre-existing designs, and continuous critical reflection, have led to substantial improvements in engineering and the theoretical refinement needed for designing this type of building. The results confirm satisfactory and qualitatively significant improvements, with an average energy saving of 60-80%, compared to buildings of the same volume and at least 30 years of age (System Evergreen AG – Lugano).

Buildings that go from passive to active On one hand, the technical experience in passive building envelope modeling and the use of optimized systems (hydraulic, mechanical, and technological) confirm the possibility of producing (on-site or nearby) a quantity of renewable energy that matches or exceeds the entire energy requirement of an nZEB building, either newly constructed or the result of a renovation. On the other hand, there are still some limitations regarding the storage of produced energy, the economic non-competitiveness of the necessary technical solutions, and the questionable real sustainability of the energy sources themselves.

Another critical point to consider is the limited capacity of the tools we have to store the excess energy produced. We are not yet able to store surplus energy economically and sustainably for subsequent reuse when environmental factors prevent the production of sufficient energy for self-sustenance. This is why one of the many research priorities is to meet energy “consumption smoothing” concerning a continuous time variable.

The H2 Vector: Hydrogen for Residential Use Even Ticino is contributing to this greener research, and a residential nZEB-type building is being designed that will use the hydrogen molecule (H2) as an energy vector to store, during the summer seasons, the energy required for its energy needs during the winter period. The goal of this new challenge is to achieve a “Sustainable Energy Consumption Smoothing”; in other words, to reach an energy balance between the energy required and the energy produced for the building, optimally managing energy supply and demand.

Hydrogen as an Energy Vector The hypothetical research scenarios and the new opportunities previously highlighted have guided us in conducting international scouting in favor of and support for hydrogen as an energy vector. Specifically, the analysis of industrial plants that have been producing hydrogen for about twenty years and of the few pioneering projects aimed at using H2 as an energy source for residential buildings have been a point of reference at an international level.

Picture of Giuseppe Macario

Giuseppe Macario

CEO & Senior Executive Project Director at System Evergreen AG

CategoriesHydrogen,  New Technologies

The Future of Hydrogen Storage: Boron Hydrides and the New Frontiers of Technology

The Future of Hydrogen Storage: Boron Hydrides and the New Frontiers of Technology

In the rapidly evolving world of renewable energy, hydrogen storage is one of the most intriguing and promising challenges. How can we safely and efficiently store hydrogen, one of the cleanest energy sources known? This is where a class of materials known as boron hydrides comes into play, at the heart of a significant European research project called BOR4STORE.

What are Boron Hydrides? Think of boron hydrides as molecular sponges capable of capturing hydrogen and releasing it when needed. These materials boast an incredibly high storage capacity, theoretically capable of storing between 8% and 18% of their weight in hydrogen. However, the challenge lies in their practical application: many of these materials require very high temperatures, up to 500°C, to release hydrogen, making them less feasible for everyday use.

The BOR4STORE Project: Exploring Boron Hydrides for Hydrogen Storage The BOR4STORE project, which ran from 2012 to 2015, explored a wide range of boron hydrides, seeking to identify the most promising ones for stationary hydrogen storage, particularly for powering high-temperature fuel cells like Solid Oxide Fuel Cells (SOFCs). Among the materials studied, eutectic compounds were particularly noteworthy. These are combinations of materials that melt together at lower temperatures than their individual components, offering a more efficient way to manage hydrogen.

Challenges and Future Prospects Despite the progress made, the project also highlighted significant challenges. For example, many of these boron hydrides tend to degrade quickly, reducing their storage capacity after just a few cycles of use. Additionally, the current production costs for these materials are still high, necessitating ongoing research to find more economical and scalable production methods.

Looking to the future with optimism, we can envision a world where cars, homes, and even entire cities are powered by clean energy, safely stored thanks to materials like boron hydrides. This future promises not only more accessible renewable energy but also greater reliability, seamlessly integrating the fluctuations of renewable sources like wind and solar.

System Evergreen’s Commitment System Evergreen is committed to exploring and supporting these innovations, working towards a greener and more sustainable future. We welcome questions, concerns, and encouragement regarding these emerging technologies.

How Can We Collaborate to Make This Future a Reality?

CategoriesHydrogen,  New Technologies,  nZEB,  Solar

Enhancing Energy Flexibility: Evergreen’s Path to a Low-Carbon Future

Enhancing Energy Flexibility: How Evergreen is Paving the Way to a Low-Carbon Future

Innovative Solutions and Strategic Collaborations for Sustainable and Resilient Energy Systems

As the world moves towards a low-carbon future, the need for energy flexibility in buildings becomes increasingly critical. At Evergreen, we are dedicated to advancing sustainable building technologies that not only meet current energy efficiency standards but also adapt to the dynamic needs of the energy market. Recently, we had the opportunity to address these issues in a panel at the Energy Flexibility Forum: Advancing Building and Community Management Solutions in Prague. This panel, organized as part of the GLocalFlex project, focused on demonstrating grid balancing mechanisms through cross-sectoral interconnected and integrated energy ecosystems enabling automatic flexibility trading. In this blog post, we will explore the ten key questions discussed during the panel, highlighting how Evergreen’s innovative projects, like the Figino Resort, are at the forefront of this transformative movement.

Q1. How can building energy flexibility contribute to a low-carbon future energy system? Building energy flexibility plays a crucial role in a low-carbon future by allowing buildings to adapt their energy demand in response to supply conditions. This adaptability enhances the integration of renewable energy sources by aligning energy consumption with periods of high renewable energy generation, thus reducing reliance on carbon-intensive power sources. At Evergreen®, our focus on advanced solar technology and hydrogen as an energy vector in projects like the Figino Resort demonstrates our commitment to such flexibility, ensuring our projects contribute to a sustainable and low-carbon energy ecosystem.
 
Q2. How can energy flexibility be quantified? Energy flexibility can be quantified through indicators such as the Demand Response Potential (DRP), which measures a building’s ability to adjust its electricity load in response to external signals. Other metrics include the Shiftability Index and the Load Shifting Potential, which assess the capacity to shift energy usage across different time periods. These quantitative assessments help in designing systems that optimize energy consumption patterns in line with renewable availability, a strategy Evergreen® employs to maximize the efficiency of our energy-efficient building solutions.
 
Q3. How can energy flexibility be harnessed? Energy flexibility can be harnessed through technologies such as smart grids, advanced metering infrastructure, and energy management systems that enable real-time monitoring and control of energy usage. By integrating these technologies into buildings, like in our Figino Resort project, Evergreen® enables automated adjustments to energy consumption based on grid demands and renewable supply, thereby optimizing energy use and reducing operational costs.
 
Q4. How do multicarrier energy systems contribute to energy flexibility? Multicarrier energy systems, which utilize multiple energy sources and carriers (e.g., electricity, heat, gas, hydrogen), enhance energy flexibility by providing various options for energy generation, storage, and consumption. These systems allow for better balancing between supply and demand, facilitating the integration of intermittent renewable energy sources. Evergreen® leverages multicarrier systems to ensure our projects are versatile and adaptable to different energy inputs and market conditions.
 
Q5. Can energy flexible buildings contribute to energy system resilience? Yes, energy flexible buildings can significantly enhance energy system resilience by reducing peak load pressures on the grid and providing backup options during outages or fluctuations. Buildings with the ability to modulate their energy demand and supply can act as micro energy hubs that support grid stability. Evergreen® designs buildings with these capabilities, ensuring they not only meet energy efficiency standards but also contribute to the broader resilience of the energy infrastructure.
 
Q6. Who are the stakeholders involved in energy flexibility? Stakeholders in energy flexibility include building owners, tenants, utility companies, energy service providers, local governments, and regulatory bodies. Each plays a role in implementing and benefiting from flexible energy solutions. Evergreen® actively collaborates with these stakeholders to tailor our engineering solutions, ensuring alignment with local regulations and community needs while maximizing energy efficiency.
 
Q7. What new approaches to the design of energy flexibility solutions can increase user engagement? Innovative design approaches such as gamified energy management systems, real-time energy consumption feedback, and personalized energy saving tips can significantly increase user engagement. By making energy usage data accessible and understandable, users are more likely to adjust their behavior to save energy. Evergreen® incorporates these user-centric designs into our projects, fostering a culture of proactive energy management.
 
Q8. How should energy performance standards and requirements be adapted to support building energy flexibility? Energy performance standards should evolve to not only mandate minimum energy efficiency levels but also reward flexibility capabilities that align energy usage with grid needs and renewable energy availability. Standards like these would encourage the adoption of advanced technologies and designs that Evergreen® specializes in, promoting broader implementation of flexible and sustainable building solutions.
 
Q9. What business models can successfully develop and utilize energy flexibility? Business models such as Energy-as-a-Service (EaaS), where customers pay for energy services rather than the energy itself, can drive the adoption of energy flexibility. This model encourages the use of energy-saving and flexible technologies without upfront costs to the user. Evergreen® supports such models by offering consultancy and engineering solutions that facilitate the transition to innovative and flexible energy usage practices.
 
Q10. How can policy evolution support the future deployment of energy flexibility? Policy evolution can support energy flexibility by incentivizing investments in smart energy technologies, revising building codes to require or reward flexible energy capabilities, and supporting pilot projects that demonstrate the benefits of energy flexibility. Such policies would align with Evergreen®’s strategic objectives, enabling us to contribute more effectively to the development of sustainable, flexible energy solutions in the markets we serve.
 

Conclusion

Building energy flexibility is a cornerstone of the transition to a sustainable and resilient energy system. By incorporating advanced technologies such as smart grids, multicarrier energy systems, and user-centric energy management designs, we can create buildings that not only minimize their carbon footprint but also actively contribute to grid stability and resilience. The insights shared during the Energy Flexibility Forum in Prague, organized under the GLocalFlex project, emphasized the importance of these innovations. At Evergreen®, we collaborate with a diverse range of stakeholders to develop tailored solutions that meet local regulations and community needs, promoting a proactive culture of energy management. As policies evolve to support energy flexibility and innovative business models like Energy-as-a-Service gain traction, the future deployment of flexible energy solutions will become increasingly viable. Through our commitment to cutting-edge engineering and sustainable practices, Evergreen® is proud to lead the way in creating the flexible, low-carbon buildings of tomorrow.
Picture of Giuseppe Macario

Giuseppe Macario

CEO & Senior Executive Project Director at System Evergreen AG

CategoriesHydrogen,  New Technologies

The Future of Green Hydrogen

The Future of Green Hydrogen: Innovative Advancements in Capillary-Fed Electrolysis

Green hydrogen, produced through the electrolysis of water using renewable energy, is set to play a crucial role in decarbonizing various hard-to-abate sectors such as steel manufacturing, long-haul transport, shipping, and aviation. Despite its potential, green hydrogen has struggled to compete with fossil fuels due to the high energy consumption and capital costs associated with traditional water electrolysis methods.

A recent study introduces a groundbreaking concept in water electrolysis, promising significant improvements in efficiency and cost-effectiveness. Researchers at the University of Wollongong, Australia, have developed a high-performance capillary-fed electrolysis (CFE) cell. This innovative approach uses capillary action to supply water to the electrodes, resulting in bubble-free operation and substantially enhanced energy efficiency.

Key Advantages of Capillary-Fed Electrolysis

  1. Enhanced Energy Efficiency: The CFE cells demonstrate superior water electrolysis performance, exceeding current commercial standards. With a cell voltage of only 1.51 V at 0.5 A cm−2 and 85 °C, these cells achieve 98% energy efficiency. This translates to an energy consumption of just 40.4 kWh/kg of hydrogen, compared to approximately 47.5 kWh/kg in conventional cells.

  2. Cost-Competitiveness: The high energy efficiency and simplified balance-of-plant significantly reduce both capital expenditure (CAPEX) and operational expenditure (OPEX), making renewable hydrogen more affordable and competitive with fossil fuels.

  3. Sustainable Design: Capillary-fed cells avoid the inefficiencies associated with gas bubbles masking the electrodes, ensuring continuous and effective operation. This results in lower energy consumption and reduced environmental impact.

Implications for the Future

The development of capillary-fed electrolysis cells represents a significant step forward in the quest for sustainable and cost-effective hydrogen production. By improving energy efficiency and reducing costs, this technology brings us closer to realizing the full potential of green hydrogen.

At Evergreen®, we are committed to integrating such innovative advancements into our projects. Our Figino Resort complex in Lugano, for instance, is a net-zero energy building that combines renewable energy systems with advanced hydrogen technologies. This project, audited by SUPSI (University of Applied Sciences and Arts of Southern Switzerland), demonstrates the practical application of these cutting-edge solutions.

Looking Ahead

The future of hydrogen is bright, with technologies like capillary-fed electrolysis paving the way for more sustainable and efficient energy solutions. As we continue to explore and implement these advancements, the role of green hydrogen in achieving global decarbonization goals will undoubtedly expand.

Evergreen® believes in the transformative potential of hydrogen technology and is dedicated to leading the charge towards a greener future. By embracing innovative solutions and integrating them into our projects, we aim to make significant strides in sustainable engineering.

Evergreen’s View

Reading the scientific article, one might exclaim, “Wow, imagine the potential of these new scientific discoveries!” This sentiment resonates with us at Evergreen, a team dedicated to advancing chemical, physical, and engineering technologies.

The report is dense with technical chemical terminology and detailed process descriptions, but the core idea is clear: hydrogen production through water electrolysis can be made increasingly efficient and therefore less expensive overall.

This is the current challenge: proving that hydrogen is a viable alternative to fossil fuels. Why hydrogen? Because it can be produced via electrolysis and then used to generate electricity with zero (or nearly zero) emissions.

In today’s world, how crucial is it to decarbonize key economic sectors, reduce pollution, limit global warming, and enhance energy efficiency (both in production and consumption)? Extremely crucial—these topics are constantly on the agenda. It requires courage to pursue this path and find the right solutions to reach our goals.

Legitimate questions remain, such as “What is the long-term efficiency of these new electrodes?” “Can this technology be scaled to become more accessible to the business world?” and “Will renewable hydrogen, Green Hydrogen, truly be competitive in the near future?” While we don’t have definitive answers now, we believe that in the near future, we will be able to address every question and concern.

At Evergreen, we are committed to staying vigilant and ready to explore all opportunities to leverage new technologies for the benefit of our clients, fellow pioneers, everyone who dreams of a greener world, and the environment.

Stay tuned as we continue to explore the future of hydrogen and its impact on the world of renewable energy.

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Valentina Macario

Jr Chemist and Management Engineer at Evergreen