Specific Challenge:

The integration and use of renewable energy in buildings for heat and power generation still encounter unsolved technological problems linked to the security and reliability of energy supply and related costs. Partly, it is due to unpredictable fluctuation of some renewable energy sources, such as solar or wind. The difficulty is even greater in cases where a 100% security of energy supply is essential such as for hospitals and especially when several renewable energy sources are used.

Scope:

This inducement prize will reward a hospital that has an innovative and within its premises perfectly integrated combined heat and power (CHP) installation. This installation has to use at least three different European renewable energy technologies, include energy storage component(s) and be able to provide 100% of hospital's annual needs for energy consumption. In this context any renewable energy source is allowed.

The prize will induce innovative renewable energy solutions integrating several technologies into one energy system. Installing such kind of integrated equipment in the ecosystem of a hospital would not only ensure the security of its energy supply, but would also raise public awareness on renewable energy. Moreover, the prize aims to mobilise and enhance private and public investments for replication of similar solutions in Europe and worldwide.

The specific rules of contest will be published in 2016 by the European Commission which will directly launch and manage the contest and award the prize based on the judgement of independent experts.

Indicative prize amount: EUR 1 million.

Expected Impact:

The prize winner will be the entrant (a hospital) that has installed and operated in its premises a new combined heat and power system integrating at least three different renewable energy technologies and with an innovative energy storage component. The proposed energy system solution shall be adaptable and replicable to other sites. Clear energy security and economic benefits shall be proven to assure these replications.

The prize will accelerate the introduction of renewable energy sources at larger scale. It will also encourage new venues for installing flexible and reliable CHP units from different renewable energy sources with zero carbon footprint. The contest gives as well a good opportunity to local small and medium-sized enterprises to demonstrate their expertise and know-how.

Delegation Exception Footnote:

This activity directly aimed at supporting pilot activities is excluded from the delegation to INEA and will be implemented by the Commission services.