From above, we take a look down into a mist-covered valley that is lush and green. An electricity mast can be seen in the center.

VERBUND X Strategy

Strategic foresight for a sustainable energy future   

At VERBUND, a multidisciplinary team works on strategic foresight to anticipate and adapt to breakthrough technologies that have the potential to disrupt the energy sector. By monitoring emerging trends, collaborating with research institutions, and investing in start-ups, we drive innovation and ensure a resilient and sustainable energy future. 

Key components of our strategic foresight approach: 

Monitoring

and analysing breakthrough technologies

Collaborating

with research institutions, industry partners and innovation networks

Sharing

knowledge internally and in our nteworks

Scouting

and investing in start-ups

R&D-cooperations 

VERBUND is actively engaged in various research and development (R&D) collaborations with renowned institutions to drive innovation and foster knowledge exchange. Our partnerships focus on new technologies and sustainability in the energy sector. Some highlights of our current R&D collaborations include modelling and analyzing the co-location of renewable energy sources and storage systems, mapping breakthrough technologies according to their current and expected technology readiness levels and looking into recycling and resource scarcity of different large scale storage technologies.   

Our R&D collaborations enable us to stay at the forefront of innovation, contribute to the development of sustainable energy solutions, and foster a culture of knowledge sharing and learning. 

A hand is turning a light switch to turn on the light. The focus is on the interaction with technology that impacts daily life, highlighting VERBUND X's commitment to actively shaping the future.

Examples of current projects

New storage technologies

The increasing share of volatile renewable energy sources in the power grid presents a central challenge in the energy transition. To actively shape this transition, VERBUND has set a clear focus on innovation and research projects in the field of novel storage technologies. As part of comprehensive market and technology monitoring, VERBUND has already identified over 200 potential technology suppliers. 

 

Based on this evaluation, flagship projects have been initiated to pave the way for a sustainable energy future:

An innovative storage system together with VERBUND Green Power is currently being prepared for testing at a VERBUND wind power plant in Austria.

In an existing photovoltaic park in Spain, the implementation of a pilot project for a long-term energy storage system has been evaluated together with VERBUND Green Power Iberia and is being prepared. 

A 50 kWh acid-base flow battery prototype for long-duration, eco-friendly storage is being developed and tested in collaboration with research partners to enhance renewable energy integration.

Examples of successful projects

Find out about some of our most successful RnD Projects over the past few years.

eCharge4Drivers

The project, co-funded by the EU under the H2020 Research and Innovation Programme, aimed to improve the charging experience for EV users in urban areas and along interurban corridors. The initiative, which ran from 2020 to 2024, focused on demonstrating innovative and convenient charging solutions, including scalable stations supporting both low and high-power charging, mobile charging services, charge points at lamp posts, and battery swapping stations for light electric vehicles. Additionally, eCharge4Drivers provided a planning tool for optimal charging location, regulatory harmonization recommendations, and sustainability guidelines for investors and authorities. 

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The image shows a charging station from the eCharge4Drivers project with a white electric vehicle being charged. The charging station is set against a brick wall background, and a charging cable is connected to the vehicle.

Central European Ultra Charging

The CEUC project, led by VERBUND, focused on deploying over 100 high-power charging (HPC) stations across five EU countries: Austria, the Czech Republic, Italy, Slovakia, and Romania. Funded by the European Commission's Connecting Europe Facility (CEF), this initiative aimed to create a seamless and robust charging network, enhancing long-distance and cross-border mobility for EVs, with partners such as ENEL X, PRE, GreenWay, and SMATRICS.  

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The image shows a high-power charging station from the CEUC project by VERBUND. One charging station has a cable connected and is set in a green environment, with additional stations visible in the background.

ABS4TSO: Enhancing Grid Stability

The ABS4TSO project, led by APG and co-financed by the Austrian Climate and Energy Fund, was completed between May 2018 and December 2021, with the goal of developing advanced balancing services for transmission system operators. As part of the project,  1 MW/500 kWh battery storage system was deployed by VERBUND to test the provision of dynamic frequency stabilization and other high-speed grid services.  

The image shows the battery storage system from the ABS4TSO project implemented by VERBUND. In a long, well-lit corridor, numerous battery modules and cooling units are lined up in formation, used for providing dynamic frequency stabilization and other grid services.

SYNERG-E

Integrating Energy and Transport

The SYNERG-E project, led by VERBUND and co-financed by the Connecting Europe Facility of the European Union, aimed to seamlessly integrate high-power EV charging infrastructure with advanced energy storage solutions. Running from 2018 to 2021, the project deployed nine approx. 0.5 MW battery storage systems at high-power charging locations across Austria and Germany. These systems help provide reliable grid connections at EV charging sites while offering essential grid services.

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The image shows the charging stations as part of the SYNERG-E project led by VERBUND. Multiple high-power charging stations are displayed alongside battery storage systems. Signage indicates the use of 100% green electricity.

E-VIA FLEX-E

The E-VIA FLEX-E project aimed to foster the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) and to increase the availability of high-power charging (HPC) infrastructures across Europe, contributing to the European alternative fuel implementation strategy. This was achieved through a study and a real-life pilot of 14 ultra-fast charging stations (with a rated power up to 350 kW) deployed mainly on Core Network Corridors in France, Italy, and Spain. 

The image shows the charging process of an electric vehicle as part of the E-VIA FLEX-E project. A person is connecting a high-power charging cable to the charging port of a black electric vehicle. High-power charging stations are visible in the background.