BERLIN
Cost-effective rehabilitation of public buildings into smart and resilient nano-grids using storage

About the project

The high energy consumption in the building sector, that is primarily fossil-fuel based, and the limited availability of the national electric grid in some remote or rural areas of the Mediterranean region call for new solutions that ensure stability and power quality of energy provision and higher penetration of renewable energy sources. In this context, BERLIN aims to implement cross-border pilot measures to support innovative and cost-effective energy rehabilitations in public buildings based on the nano-grid concept, the building block for smart micro-grids. The project will focus on increasing grid penetration, combined with energy storage and demand-side management, along with enhancement of energy efficiency in buildings. The goal is to reach high levels of self-resilience in public buildings and to make them greener, smarter, more innovative and sustainable. The project will implement 8 energy rehabilitation pilot actions which bring effectively together photovoltaic, energy storage, smart grid elements, home automation, etc. to achieve a self-sufficient nano-grid.

Key information

BERLIN
Cost-effective rehabilitation of public buildings into smart and resilient nano-grids using storage
B.4 Environmental protection, climate change adaptation and mitigation
B.4.3 Energy efficiency and renewable energy
Cyprus, Greece, Israel, Italy

Financial data

2.8 million
Total budget
2.5 million
EU contribution
%
10%
Project co-financing

Highlights

Project in numbers

7
Partners
4
Countries
6
Technical outputs

Project duration

Start date
End date

Partnership

News

Events

Library

Deliverables

Documents

Videos

What will be improved?

In the mid-term, the project will achieve a reduction of energy consumption and CO2 emissions at the level of pilot buildings. Thanks to the case studies, tools, developed guidelines, the project hopes to foster replication in other Mediterranean/EU regions and enhanced interest and capacity of public authorities in building energy retrofits. In the long-term, the project will encourage a widespread policy adoption for high photovoltaic grid penetration and high levels of self-sufficiency in buildings. It will boost SMEs competitiveness, R&D growth, investments in photovoltaic grid integration, interest from local building professionals to train in new innovations for high efficient buildings, and business and job opportunities in building retrofitting.

Who will benefit?

  • Energy stakeholders (policy-makers, investors, distribution system operators, regulatory authorities, energy consultants, photovoltaic installers)
  • Local, regional, national authorities 
  • The scientific community 
  • Building users

Expected achievements

  • 8 case studies on the photovoltaic, energy storage solutions and demand side management hybrid technology
  • 4 country-specific recommendations to stimulate the uptake of photovoltaic, energy storage solutions and demand-side management 
  • 2 tools developed for renovating public buildings using photovoltaic, demand-side management and energy storage systems
  • 8 pilot actions in buildings in 4 countries
  • 3 cost-effective technologies in public buildings optimally integrated
  • 5 public institutions supported towards the adoption of cost-effective policies to increase the use and local consumption of photovoltaic energy
     
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Project news

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BERLIN main results and tools for energy efficiency in buildings

BERLIN project’s infographics highlighting main results are now available

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BERLIN Policymakers tool to promote energy efficiency in public buildings is available online!

The tool provides recommendations for policies and regulations that promote energy efficiency in public buildings

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BERLIN project results are raising awareness about the high energy consumption in the building sector

The project results are raising awareness about the high energy consumption in the building sector and inspiring stakeholders with its propo…

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BERLIN promotes wider adoption of distributed energy resources in the Mediterranean region

The triple helix joins forces in promoting the wider adoption of distributed energy resources in the Mediterranean region through position paper.

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BERLIN - Leading the way in fighting climate change and making an impact

The final project meeting was held in Cyprus and it was an important step forward in promoting regional cross-border cooperation and exploring future initiatives.

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BERLIN supports the capacity building of local authorities in Greece for the energy efficiency of public buildings

An effective training on energy efficiency topics outlining the steps towards self-sufficiency took place on the 20th of June 2023.

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BERLIN’s impact in academic research and industry

Some of the preliminary project results were presented in one of the largest professional networking and educational event in Europe

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BERLIN aligns with the commitment of the European Union for a sustainable energy future in Mediterranean region

The EU Ambassador to Israel visited Yhelim school where BERLIN pilot activities are taking place.

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BERLIN - Enhancing resident awareness on photovoltaics, energy storage systems, and demand side management microgrid systems

The 3rd Intelligent Utilization of Photovoltaic Technology Hub meeting took place on the 4th of May in Eilat, Israel in a hybrid mode

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BERLIN is changing energy consumption habits in schools

The pilot interventions in school buildings in Israel pave the way towards green energy habits

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BERLIN pilots have the potential to be expanded with the coupling of other energy carriers

Pilot buildings have great potential for major technological advancements such as Green Hydrogen and Heat.

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BERLIN as a case study of ‘Near Zero Energy Buildings’ (NZEB)

The BERLIN project was presented as a case study in the postgraduate course on NZEB of the University of Cyprus

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BERLIN engages students and local community in the energy efficiency efforts of the university buildings in Western Macedonia, Greece

Students of the University of Western Macedonia and the local community participated in a demonstration t…

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BERLIN in the spotlight of energy transition

BERLIN was presented at the ENLIT 2022 international conference.

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Energy efficiency: BERLIN’s results as a good example for further academic research

Students of engineering were informed of BERLIN’s promising results and the ways to trigger further innovative research in the field of Photovoltaic systems

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BERLIN empowers local communities to battle climate change

Eilat Municipality officers attending COP 27 showed the great impact local government’s policies can have on the fight against climate change.

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BERLIN – leading the transformation of public buildings to green and smart buildings

BERLIN was presented at the annual conference of Major Cities of Europe took place between the 2nd and 3th of November 2022 in Larissa, Greece

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BERLIN – a project with potential community opportunities and energy innovation developments

Reflections on the upcoming COP27 and the potentials of BERLIN results in the battle against climate change.

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BERLIN - Development of nanogrid technology and its relation to the energy efficiency of buildings

Learn all about the nanogrid technology developed within the framework of BERLIN project

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BERLIN sets the foundations for future advanced energy systems

BERLIN sets the pathway for Green Hydrogen Subsystem integration in a Photovoltaic-Battery Nanogrid System

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BERLIN – A Best Practice Case for further renewable energy source penetration

Students of Renewable Energy course in Israel learn about BERLIN project!

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BERLIN plans on the enhancement of energy efficiency in public buildings

The goal is to reach high levels of self-resilience in public buildings and to make them greener, smarter, and sustainable.

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BERLIN in the epicenter of the energy rehabilitation of public buildings

Development of hybrid photovoltaic-based nanogrids for the energy rehabilitation of public buildings though the BERLIN project.

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BERLIN project supports the cooperation among the young people of the Mediterranean region

Young people prove to have an important role and involvement in the cooperation projects and initiatives of the EU, especially those implemented under the European Neighborhoo…

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BERLIN – a concrete example of an energy system efficiency approach

EU Sustainable Week 2022 hosted a policy session to share best practices from the Mediterranean on the topic of energy renovation of buildings.

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BERLIN transforms school in Israel into an example of green and self-sufficient building

Pilots in Israel are progressing swiftly, and results are expected soon!

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BERLIN to commission nanogrid technology at university building of the Italian city of Monserrato

The Italian building pilot is very close to be commissioned and be fully functioned

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BERLIN contributes to the energy transition in the Mediterranean region

The results of the project will offer a cost-effective rehabilitation of public buildings transforming them to smart and resilient nano-grids.

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BERLIN contributes to the dialogue on energy transition

BERLIN joins forces with other energy efficiency related projects with the aim to present their results at the high-level Policy Conference of the EU Sustainable Energy Week.

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BERLIN’s green innovation mission presented during mobility conference in Greece

BERLIN contributes towards green transition and innovation for a more sustainable future.

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BERLIN – New tender announcement for the supply and installation of a smart nanogrid

The submission deadline for the tender is the 12/07/2022, 12:00 (Nicosia time)

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BERLIN sets the basis for future developments on hybrid Photovoltaic-based microgrids with green hydrogen

Learn about the energy transition through hybrid Photovoltaic-based microgrids with green hydrogen

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BERLIN contributes to the sustainable development of the Mediterranean region

BERLIN contributes to the cooperation of Mediterranean countries for green and affordable energy

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BERLIN Smart Tool for building integrated energy systems design goes online!

Find out how you can use the tool to size and operate the photovoltaics and battery systems in buildings with flexible loads.

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BERLIN - Contributing to the transition towards nearly Zero-Energy Buildings

Technologies tested during the lifecycle of BERLIN project can contribute to the transition towards nearly Zero-Energy Buildings.

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Towards energy-efficient public buildings: BERLIN about to complete pilots in 4 countries

Energy rehabilitations are underwayin 6 pilot sites: 1 in Cyprus, 2 in Greece, 2 in Israel and 1 in Italy.

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BERLIN 4th newsletter – learn how communal buildings are transforming into self-sufficient cost-effective buildings

The 4th edition of BERLIN newsletter is here to provide an update on all the energy efficiency activities of the project and more

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Energy efficiency: BERLIN supports and engages with local communities

Ben Gurion University research team meets with Yeelim School and Nof Edom School administration in a continuous effort to promote sustainable energy behaviours.

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BERLIN - tender announcement for the supply and installation of a smart nanogrid in Eilat (Israel)

The deadline for submitting offers is the 16th of May 2022, 14:00 Israel time

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BERLIN – How to turn high energy consumption public buildings to energy efficient buildings

The University of Western Macedonia student dormitory building and the former town hall building of the Hellespont Municipality in Koilada, Kozani, shows how to increase the s…

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BERLIN - tender announcement for the supply and installation of a smart nanogrid in Israel

The deadline for submitting offers is the 12th of April 2022, 14:00 Israel time.

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BERLIN: How are two elementary schools in Israel going to be converted to smart and energy self-sufficient buildings?

Ben Gurion University, partner of BERLIN project is making progress on the pilot activities of the project demonstrating how school building…

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BERLIN: The laboratory experimental phase is on - A step closer to the operation of the Italian nanogrid pilot

The Italian nanogrid pilot of the BERLIN project will be functional within the campus of the University of Cagliari, Italy.

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BERLIN reaches more than 60 companies during renewable energy conference in Israel

The conclusions of the Eilat-Eilot Renewable Energy Conference confirm that BERLIN’s activities can be used as a bright example for a more sustainable future.

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BERLIN – Interesting conclusions from the Mediterranean Hub meeting

There is an urgent need to develop our technologies and push even harder for their official penetration in our electricity power systems

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BERLIN’s smart online tool for integrated energy systems in buildings

The tool helps building owners or managers to achieve energy self-sufficiency of buildings exploiting photovoltaics, energy storage, and demand-side management.

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BERLIN: Interested tenderers visit the smart nanogrid pilot site in Cyprus

The University of Cyprus organized two tours for interested tenderers to visit the site where the installation of the smart nanogrid will take place. A third tour is scheduled…

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BERLIN project launches a tender in Cyprus for the supply and installation of a smart nanogrid

The deadline for submitting offers is the 8th of February 2022, 12:00 Cyprus time.

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BERLIN was presented at the International Conference on Environment and Electrical Engineering

The paper “Enhancing Self-Sufficiency in Buildings with Hybrid PV-Battery Systems and Demand Side Management: A Sizing Tool” was presented.

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BERLIN is on a mission to increase the energy self-sufficiency of pilot buildings in Cyprus, Greece, Israel, and Italy

The project unveils the technical solutions adopted for each pilot building based on a methodology which includes Photovoltaics and a Batter…

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BERLIN project – a step closer towards our smart city vision!

Our partner, Eilat Municipality, presented the cost-effective rehabilitation of public buildings and smart-city transformation in the context of BERLIN project at the “CTalk innovation – smart city” conference.

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BERLIN: the EU Ambassador to Israel visited Yeelim school, pilot site for energy efficiency rehabilitation

The Ambassador had the chance to see one of the pilot sites selected in Israel where innovative and cost-effective energy rehabilitation wil…

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The innovative and cost - effective energy rehabilitation solution of BERLIN is presented at the 9th International Conference on Modern Power Systems

BERLIN partners presented the paper “Impact of Demand Side Management on the Self-Sufficiency & Self-…

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Israel: BERLIN energy-efficient solutions presented to the Ministry of Environmental Protection

The project, which deals with innovative energy rehabilitation of public buildings, was presented at an event of the EU Delegation to Israel…

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Energy efficiency in public buildings: third newsletter of BERLIN now available!

Discover the latest updatesabout the pilot installation activities in public buildings n Cyprus, Italy, Greece and Israel.

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Greece: invitation to submit offers related to the BERLIN pilot installations

BERLIN is looking for suppliers for the installation of hybrid photovoltaic systems with storage solutions at the University of Western Macedonia & Kozani Municipality.

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BERLIN was presented on Greek Television!

Watch the interview of Prof. Georgios Christoforides of the University of Western Macedonia, by the host of Omikron3 television programme of Greek national TV station ERT.

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Energy efficiency: BERLIN presented at MEDPOWER conference 2020

The goal of the international MEDPOWER 2020 conference was to provide a forum that will create opportunities for networking and collaboration between academia and industry.

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BERLIN: First Intelligent Utilization of Photovoltaic Technology Hub meeting

Hub members had the opportunity to exchange ideas on how to promote the wider adoption of distributed energy resources in the Mediterranean region.

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Energy efficiency in public buildings: read BERLIN project second newsletter

Discover the latest news of BERLIN and stay informed about the progress of the pilots in Cyprus, Greece, Italy and Israel in the second newsletter of the project

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BERLIN: Launch of the Intelligent Utilization of Photovoltaic Technology hub

The hub was created to foster wider adoption of distributed energy resources through the integration of photovoltaics, energy storage systems and demand side management.

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Energy efficiency: preparation of server and database hosting data of BERLIN pilot sites

The preparation of the server-hosting infrastructure and the central database that will store the data of each pilot building has been completed.

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Med-EcoSuRe and BERLIN together to develop cost-effective energy efficiency and high-tech renewables in isolated areas

Med-EcoSuRe and BERLIN work together to develop cost-effective energy efficiency and high-tech renewables in isolated areas.

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BERLIN is on the way to energy efficiency in public buildings

BERLIN consortium met online to discuss the implementation of the pilots in their countries.

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BERLIN: Invitation for Consultancy Services

The Municipality of Eilat, Israel invites experts in the field of solar energy storage technologies to provide information on the engineering, design, procurement, installation and commissioning of operational …

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Project news

21 May 2020
BERLIN project identifies the potential for energy efficient buildings in Cyprus, Greece, Israel and Italy

BERLIN developed a study focusing on the current status of Renewable Energy (RE), Energy Efficiency (EE) and Energy Management measures in b…

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Project news

10 May 2020
Energy efficiency: pilot sites of BERLIN project in Greece

The dormitories of the University of Western Macedonia and the town hall of Koilada, Greece will be turned into self-sufficient energy systems thanks to the BERLIN project.

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Project news

30 April 2020
Energy efficiency: pilot sites of BERLIN project in Italy

A rooftop PV system will be installed, with a total peak power of 40-kWp, on one of the buildings of the University of Cagliari campus, Italy.

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14 April 2020
Energy efficiency: pilot sites of BERLIN project in Israel

In the framework of the BERLIN project, two schools respectively located in the city of Eilat and in the region of Eilot, will become independent form the energy standpoint.

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27 March 2020
Energy efficiency: BERLIN first newsletter

Read the first newsletter to learn about what BERLIN is all about!

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27 March 2020
Pilot Site #1 – University of Cyprus

The premises of FOSS Research Centre of Sustainable Energy were selected for the implementation of the nanogrid consisting of PVs, battery energy storage system, and a controller for performing DSM.

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Project news

12 November 2019
BERLIN Project's Flyer is available

The flyer highlights some key information about the project, including the budget, the duration and the partners of the Consortium.

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Project news

12 November 2019
BERLIN: project kick off and press conference

The project’s kick off meeting was successfully held on the 24th of October 2019 in Limassol, Cyprus.