EU-DREAM

Full Project Name: Effective Uptake of Digital Services to Repower European Consumers and Communities as Active Participants in Energy Transition and Markets
Acronym: EU-DREAM
Programme: Horizon Europe – Innovation Actions (HORIZON-IA) (HORIZON-CL5-2023-D3-03-04)
Grant Agreement: 101160614
Duration: 07/2024 – 12/2027
Websites:

• https://eu-dream.eu
• https://cordis.europa.eu/project/id/101160614/results

Project Overview

The rapid digitalisation of the energy sector is essential for enabling the energy transition, yet many digital tools remain underused due to complexity, limited interoperability, and low consumer engagement.

EU-DREAM addresses this challenge by developing and validating next-generation digital energy services designed to empower consumers and energy communities to actively participate in energy markets.

The project brings together leading research institutions, technology providers, and energy companies across Europe to develop advanced digital tools, artificial intelligence solutions, and user-centric interfaces that simplify energy management and unlock new flexibility services.

These innovations will be demonstrated and validated through six Living Labs across Europe (Portugal, Belgium, Italy, Ireland, Greece, and Denmark), representing diverse regulatory environments, climatic conditions, and consumer profiles.

Aligned with the EU Action Plan on Digitalisation of the Energy System, EU-DREAM aims to accelerate the adoption of digital solutions that enable consumers to optimise energy use, participate in energy communities, and contribute to a more flexible, resilient, and decarbonised energy system.

Cleanwatts Digital Role

Cleanwatts Digital (CWD) plays a central role in EU-DREAM as:

• Leader of Work Package 7 – Living Labs, SSH Intertwining, Replicability and Business Innovation
  • Leader of the Portuguese Living Lab (LL1)

Within the project, CWD coordinates the deployment, monitoring, and evaluation of all six Living Labs, ensuring harmonised methodologies, common KPIs, and effective integration between technological innovation, user behaviour insights, and business model development.

In the Portuguese Living Lab in Coimbra (CWD Living Lab), CWD demonstrates advanced digital energy services within a Renewable Energy Community of approximately 40 households, integrating solar generation, batteries, electric vehicles, and smart home systems.

A core contribution of CWD is the development and integration of natural language AI assistants within energy management platforms, enabling users to interact with their energy systems through intuitive conversational interfaces.

Strategic Relevance for CWD

EU-DREAM supports CWD’s strategic objective of advancing user-centric digital energy platforms and expanding the capabilities of its software ecosystem.

The project enables CWD to:

• Enhance its AI-driven energy management solutions
  • Strengthen the Kiplo/Kiome digital platform ecosystem
  • Develop advanced user engagement and automation capabilities
  • Validate new energy community business models across European markets
  • Expand its role as a technology leader in digital energy services

Key Innovations

EU-DREAM introduces several technological and market innovations, including:

• AI-powered energy optimisation: Advanced algorithms to optimise energy consumption, flexibility, and cost in real time.
• Natural language energy management interfaces: Conversational AI assistants allowing users to interact naturally with energy systems, configure preferences, and receive insights.
• Digital Twins for energy communities: Virtual models of buildings and energy assets enabling predictive management and optimisation.
• Peer-to-peer energy and flexibility services: New models enabling community members to trade energy and flexibility services locally.
• User-centric engagement tools: Behavioural and social science approaches to improve consumer adoption of digital energy solutions.

Expected Impact for CWD

Participation in EU-DREAM strengthens CWD’s position in the European energy innovation ecosystem and accelerates the development of next-generation digital solutions.

Key expected benefits include:

• Development of Natural Language AI modules for integration into CWD platforms
• Improved user engagement with energy management applications
• Reduced customer support and onboarding complexity
• Validation of new digital services and business models for energy communities
• Expansion of CWD’s technology portfolio and market opportunities

The project also enables the testing of pre-commercial solutions that can later be integrated into CWD’s operational products and services.

Funding Disclaimer

EU-DREAM is supported by the European Union’s Horizon Europe programme under Grant Agreement No. 101160614.

Views and opinions expressed are, however, those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Climate, Infrastructure and Environment Executive Agency (CINEA). Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.