SHIFT2DC: Energy Revolution in Europe with Innovative Use of Direct Current

The SHIFT to Direct Current (SHIFT2DC) project, funded with over 11 million euros by the European Climate, Infrastructure, and Environment Executive Agency (CINEA) and part of the Horizon Europe program, aims to develop increasingly intelligent and efficient energy infrastructures through the use of direct current (DC) solutions.

Coordinated by INESC-ID, the project commenced its activities with a Kick-off Meeting on December 12 and 13 at the Instituto Superior Técnico, attended by representatives from 33 institutions across 13 European countries.

SHIFT2DC to Focus on the Application of Direct Current Solutions in Power Systems

During the event, which saw the participation of over 40 delegates, project coordinator Hugo Morais of INESC ID emphasized the goal of transforming the global energy landscape towards a greener and smarter direction through the effective use of DC solutions.

Specifically, SHIFT2DC will focus on the application of direct current solutions in power systems, outlining guidelines and a roadmap for their use in various energy contexts. INESC ID will play a crucial role in executing several Work Packages, including the development of tools for designing DC solutions and the overall coordination of the project.

To ensure that the proposed solutions are feasible, economical, and sustainable, detailed analyses, feasibility assessments, and environmental impact studies will be conducted. The project also includes the establishment of three demonstration sites to test various applications of DC solutions in situ, such as in data centers, buildings, industries, and ports.

The effectiveness of these solutions will be demonstrated to increase confidence in the use and planning of DC-based systems, aiming for a radical shift in the energy approach towards more sustainable alternatives.