RLI is a partner in the GRECO Poject on Open Science

July 3^rd 2018 – The European research project Fostering a Next GeneRation of European Photovoltaic SoCiety through Open Science (GRECO) has started with a kick-off meeting in Madrid. Berit Müller, Head of the RLI Research Field Transformation von Energiesystemen represented the RLI. A total of eleven organizations, institutes, and universities from all over Europe work together on the task of bringing Open Science approaches into photovoltaic research in order to develop socially sustainable photovoltaic solutions for society. The project will run for three years, is coordinated by the Universidad Politécnica de Madrid (UPM), and funded by the European Union’s Horizon 2020 program.

The project is guides by the principles of Responsible Research and Innovation (RRI). This includes Open Innovation, Citizen Science, Mobilization, and Mutual Learning (MML) approaches. Among other things, these methods should make research processes more accessible. In concrete terms, GRECO aims to develop solutions for six technical objectives using RRI methods, including a model for the aging of photovoltaics, a repair process for old solar modules, and a photovoltaic-based irrigation system. In addition, the project will work with third parties to develop a Citizen Science Initiative that will allow people from around the world to participate in photovoltaic studies and research. In addition, a handbook for researchers will be developed to make RRI concepts and Open Science approaches available for future projects.

“We believe that the energy transition should happen under the creative and financial participation of all citizens,” explains Berit Müller. “At RLI, wherever possible, we use open data and methods, and have already been able to show in various research projects, such as oemof or open_ego, that participatory approaches in the field of energy system research lead to good results. I am looking forward to working with the partner institutions at European level.”

In GRECO, RLI will analyze the impact of different photovoltaic technologies (building-integrated micro-CPV versus flat PV modules) in terms of costs and emissions in local and European energy supply scenarios, as well as design and test an Open-Peer Review Process for the scientific publications of the project.

GRECO is funded by the European Union’s Horizon 2020 program under grant contract number 787289.