Fraunhofer, along with 18 other leading European organizations, has started the AI-EFFECT project, coordinated by EPRI Europe, which began with a kickoff meeting in Dublin on October 30 and 31, 2024. This three-year initiative, funded by the European Union’s Horizon Europe program, aims to set up a European AI Testing and Experimentation Facility (TEF) for the energy sector. The project will help develop, test, and validate AI solutions across Europe, focusing on multi-energy systems, congestion management, energy efficiency, and DER integration.

AI-EFFECT features four key nodes across Europe in Denmark, the Netherlands, Portugal, and Germany with Fraunhofer leading the German node. Fraunhofer’s role is crucial through its work on the “Distribution Network Congestion Management for Renewable Integration” node. This involves creating a lab setup that replicates typical distribution systems to test AI algorithms. The goal is to boost operational efficiency, improve reliability, and optimize resource allocation in power distribution systems. By focusing on managing powerflows in networks with high renewable energy penetration.

The AI-EFFECT platform will enable secure data sharing and AI model development, contributing significantly to Europe's leadership in energy AI technology. The project will run until September 2027, enhancing the shift to smarter, more reliable energy systems while aligning with EU regulatory frameworks for AI transparency and security.