Widespread decarbonisation in Europe requires buildings to not only consume but also produce energy. Smart buildings, equipped with real-time energy tracking, are essential for integrating into the energy system. The EU's WeForming project, funded by Horizon Europe, aims to support the adoption of Intelligent Grid-Forming Buildings (iGFBs) by addressing regulatory, technical, societal, and business challenges.
Key challenges include high electricity costs compared to fossil fuels, slow adoption of electrification technologies, and low energy performance of buildings. EU directives, such as the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive and the Renewable Energy Directive, provide some frameworks but have gaps, such as lacking minimum energy efficiency standards and demand-side flexibility targets.
National progress varies, with issues like smart meter roll-outs and demand response frameworks lagging. WeForming has created a regulatory barrier checklist for policymakers, recommending clear regulations, technical standards, financial incentives, and innovative business models to promote smart buildings. Further details can be found in WeForming’s deliverable 2.1, available throughout the project.
More details here.