HARMONISE (HierArchical eneRgy MONItoring and control System for smart-grid intEgration) is a project funded by the European Union under the Horizon Europe program that aims to revolutionize the way energy is managed, distributed and consumed in urban areas. Its main objective is to develop an end-to-end solution for the implementation and management of Positive Energy Districts (PEDs), i.e. energy districts that can produce more energy than they consume on an annual basis.
An integrated approach to urban sustainability
HARMONISE proposes a systemic approach to urban energy transition based on innovative technologies, interoperability of systems and end-user orientation. The project focuses on the development and implementation of advanced digital platforms capable of optimising the production, consumption and storage of energy from renewable sources in terms of efficiency, resilience and environmental sustainability.
Through a multi-level energy management architecture, HARMONISE enables the integration of different types of buildings, infrastructures and energy communities into a single intelligent system that can dynamically adapt to the needs of the territory and users.
Main project goals
- Scalable and replicable end-to-end solution: HARMONISE aims to provide a comprehensive, modular and flexible system for the design, implementation and management of PEDs that can be adapted to different urban contexts in Europe to facilitate replicability and adoption at scale.
- Active user engagement: The project puts citizens, businesses and local authorities at the centre and develops digital tools and intuitive applications that facilitate their direct involvement in energy-related decision-making processes and business models.
- Technological innovation: HARMONISE integrates frontier technologies such as fog computing, artificial intelligence and blockchain to ensure continuous monitoring, data security and efficient, transparent and decentralized energy management.
Expected effects
Through pilot projects in several European countries, HARMONISE will test and validate its model in practise, demonstrating the feasibility and benefits of switching to PED. Expected impacts include:
- Reducing CO₂ emissions and increasing the share of energy from renewable sources.
- Improved energy resilience of neighbourhoods.
- Development of new services and economic opportunities related to the digitalization of energy supply.
- Promoting sustainable behaviour among citizens and local actors.
A step towards the cities of the future
HARMONISE fits seamlessly into the European vision of smart, climate-neutral and digitally connected cities by providing concrete tools to tackle the challenges of the energy transition and contribute to the realisation of the European Green Deal objectives.
More information at https://harmonise-horizon.eu/
