An end-to-end solution for industrial sites and stakeholders (FLEX4FACT)

The European project FLEX4FACT aims to make industrial sites and processes more flexible through digitisation, automation, and smart control systems. It will support industrial stakeholders seeking to integrate more renewable sources into their industrial energy systems and to provide flexibility to the electrical systems via demand response measures. FLEX4FACT will develop an end-to-end solution made of 1. tools supporting the definition of pathways for increased renewable penetration in industrial sites, 2. digital twins of 5 different industrial sites based on real use cases from the industrial partners of FLEX4FACT, 3. a module for manufacturing process planning & control and 4. a cloud platform allowing industrial sites to participate in the ancillary energy market. Cutting-edge technologies including edge computing, AI and machine learning will be deployed to optimise the energy management of industrial sites. All solutions will be developed in a modular way to allow for easy replication and upscaling in the EU.

The developed tools and knowledge are expected to accelerate the digital and energy transformation of the industrial sector in Europe and support the uptake of new renewable sources in the EU power grid. Industrial partners will be able to reduce their dependence on fossil fuels, reduce energy costs and switch to renewable sources, while generating additional revenues through the provision of flexibility services. This will increase the competitiveness of the EU industry. Additionally, FLEX4FACT will help secure the EU leadership in research and innovation in the cyber-physical transformation of manufacturing, leading to the creation of a skilled workforce. Furthermore, the project supports the EU Green Deal through reduction of GHG emissions and creation of conditions for more liveable industrial cities.

The project, coordinated by SINTEF Manufacturing AS. Steinbeis Europa Zentrum is a partner for exploitation, dissemination and communication.

FLEX4FACT is receiving funding from the European Union’s Horizon Europe research and innovation programme under grant agreement 101058657.

Further Information:

• Funding: European Commission, Horizon Europe
• Förderbudget für alle Partner: 18 million EUR
• Participating countries: Germany, Ireland, Italy, Norway, Spain
• Project duration: 06/2022 – 11/ 2025