eRoots Joins GridForLoads

The GridForLoads project has officially kicked off at Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya (UPC) in Barcelona! This European initiative brings together leading research institutions and industry partners to explore how loads can actively support the power grid, enhancing grid stability and maximizing renewable energy utilization.

The Need for Grid-Forming Loads

Traditionally, power grid flexibility has been managed from the generation side, relying on:

1. Power plants adjusting their output
2. Curtailing renewable generation
3. Deploying energy storage systems

However, demand-side flexibility is emerging as a key solution for future power systems. The GridForLoads project focuses on developing grid-forming loads, which can behave like synchronous machines, supporting voltage and frequency stability while enabling renewables to operate at their maximum power point.

Project Goals

The main objectives of GridForLoads are:

1. Defining the concept and technical features of grid-forming loads
2. Developing control algorithms for various applications
3. Implementing the technology in real-world scenarios, such as EV chargers and pump drives
4. Conducting system, techno-economic, and environmental studies on the impact of grid-forming loads

eRoots' Role in WP4: System Studies

As part of Work Package 4 (WP4), eRoots leads key system studies, analyzing the impact of grid-forming loads on power networks. Together with WP5, this work package will assess the technical, economic, and environmental implications of integrating these loads into large-scale grids and railway systems.

WP4 Studies Include:

• Transient & small-signal stability – Evaluating the response of grid-forming loads to disturbances, ensuring grid resilience and identifying potential instabilities.
• Black start capabilities – Investigating how grid-forming loads can contribute to grid restoration by maintaining stable voltage and frequency during black start operations.
• Railway power systems – Assessing how train motors and power converters can function as grid-forming loads, improving railway system reliability and efficiency.
• AC/DC Optimal power flow – Developing advanced optimization models to integrate grid-forming loads into AC/DC networks, ensuring efficient grid operation.

Commitment to Open-Source Development

A key aspect of our work in WP4 is ensuring that all models and tools are open-source, fostering transparency in power system studies, collaboration between researchers and industry, innovation in next-generation grid solutions.

What’s Next?

The GridForLoads project will run for several years, with significant advancements expected in grid-forming control, real-world demonstrations, and system-wide impact assessments. eRoots is excited to contribute to shaping the future of demand-side grid flexibility through this initiative.

Stay tuned for updates as we continue our work in GridForLoads.

Project Partners:

• Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya (UPC) – Spain (Coordinator)
• eRoots Analytics – Spain
• Wallbox Chargers – Spain
• SUPERGRID INSTITUTE – France
• AIT Austrian Institute of Technology – Austria
• EcoVibes – Greece
• SBB CFF FFS Schweizerische Bundesbahnen SBB – Switzerland

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