Project partners

Utrecht University (UU) is an internationally renowned research university. The quality of research at the University is demonstrated by positive research evaluations and a high position in international league tables. The 2014 Shanghai Rankings of world-class universities put Utrecht University in first place in the Netherlands, 16th in Europe and 57th worldwide. The Faculty of Geosciences has a leading international position in academic research into the Earth, sustainability, urbanisation and migration. The faculty is home to the Copernicus Institute of Sustainable Development, at which research and education is focused on a.o. energy in the built environment. The Copernicus Institute runs two master programmes (Sustainable Development, and Energy Science), in which (BI)PV is incorporated. The Copernicus Institute is pursuing R&D in the fields of energy efficiency, photovoltaics, smart grids, biomass, energy modelling. In addition, representatives of the institute are involved in various national and EU research projects as well as in national and international expert networks, for instance as task leader in the IEA-PVPS-Task 13 on PV performance, and in Task 15 on BIPV. (PVPS-TASK-1 and TASK-12) and as the national representative in the IEA’s ISGAN power grid program. A close collaboration exists with the Dutch Solar Energy Application Centre, whose focus is BIPV R&D.Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Duis ac nibh finibus, scelerisque leo vitae, pretium turpis. Cras dignissim ipsum nisi, in rutrum ante iaculis nec. Cum sociis natoque penatibus et magnis dis parturient montes, nascetur ridiculus mus. In vel vestibulum dui.

UAS Technikum Wien is the largest purely technical Univ. of Applied Sciences (UAS) in Austria. With almost 6,800 alumni and more than 3,300 students currently taking its 12 bachelor’s and 17 master’s degree programs.

The department of Renewable Energy is holding and organising courses in the Bachelor's degree program "Urban Renewable Energy Technologies" and the Master's degree program "Renewable Urban Energy Systems", with altogether 250 students. UAS is very active in conducting research and consultancy projects in the fields of renewable energy, smart grid systems and smart cities.

In addition, representatives of the department are involved in various national and EU research projects as well as in national and international expert networks, for instance as the deputy head of the photovoltaics research program of the International Energy Agency (IEA) research groups (PVPS-TASK-1 and TASK-12) and as the national representative in the IEA’s ISGAN power grid program. Furthermore, the coordination of the Austrian photovoltaics technology platform is handled by the Department of Renewable Energy.

The scientific management of the annual Austrian photovoltaics expert conference as well as the annual national Smart Grids Week is also in the hands of experts from the department.

At the moment UAS Technikum Wien representatives are preparing the participation in IEA PVPS Task 15 BIPV and are members of the expert pool BIPV at the EU PV Technology platform and within Austria. The national technology platform Photovoltaics, which is chaired by UAS Technikum Wien is also strong focused on BIPV.

Within the study programmes at the university, BIPV is frequently mentioned in lectures, however, the European building directive is only one reason, why this topic would deserve more emphasis.

UCY is the leading University in Cyprus that aspires to promote scholarship and education standards of excellence through teaching and research. More than 7000 students (undergraduate and graduate) currently undertake studies at the UCY. The University has 8 faculties, 22 departments and 11 research units at UCY, including a Research Centre on Sustainable Energy (FOSS), that is participating in the Dem4BIPV project.

The Research Centre for Sustainable Energy (FOSS) was created in order to play a key role in research and technological development activities in the field of sustainable energy within Cyprus and at international level with the aim of contributing to the achievement of the relevant energy and environment objectives set out by Europe. In particular, FOSS strives to become a centre of excellence in energy that will act as a structure where world-standard R&D work can be performed, in terms of measurable scientific production (including training) and/or technological innovation. The selected thematic priorities include:
- Renewable energy sources (RES) with an emphasis on solar energy
- Distributed generation and new technologies for electrical power systems
- Smart electricity networks
- Enabling technologies including energy storage and ICT, which are necessary for developing a smart grid environment
- Energy efficiency and energy saving
- Energy efficient buildings
- Energy Policy and Energy economics
- Education and awareness work on sustainable energy matters and promotion of active involvement of consumers in local energy production using RES

The PV Technology Laboratory of the University of Cyprus which is part of the FOSS research centre has developed relevant academic and vocational courses for PV installers, architects, engineers, students etc., and has dedicated facilities for training and education as well as state-of-the-art research facilities. Our facilities are being used for the training of personnel in the field of Energy Efficiency and RES. Also our team is involved in the training of University Staff and technical people in Jordan and moreover is currently collaborating with Qatar for similar activities. Furthermore, our laboratory is involved in teaching a course on related issues at the University and one administered by the non-profit Cyprus Energy Agency. Lastly, our team is also developing software and tools (by using social networks, virtual labs etc) for the education and training on Energy Efficiency and RES issues.

Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu (DTT) is one of the world’s leading professional services firms. Deloitte is one of the largest and fastest-growing professional organisations in Cyprus providing a full range of services through more than 500 people from offices in all major cities. Core services include audit, tax, consulting and financial advisory services. Deloitte is a leading provider of professional services to electric power companies and electric and gas utilities worldwide, offering a wide range of industry-tailored services. In the area of Renewable Energy Sources, Deloitte takes a leading role by offering financial advisory, statutory audit, tax and VAT planning & compliance services, to companies and organisations developing and/or operating Renewable Energy Projects, including Wind Farms, Photovoltaic Parks, Solar Thermal Power Plants, Biomass/ Biogas Plants, and Hydroelectric Power Plants. Our clients include foreign and local enterprises developing renewable energy projects, industry associations and prospective investors in the renewable energy sector. Deloitte offers an unparalleled range of services, innovation and critical thinking, supporting clients through tailored services during all phases of a project’s life cycle (planning, licensing, financing, construction and operation).

The Dem4BIPV project is carried out by Deloitte’s Innovation and Entrepreneurship Centre (IEC), which focuses on two distinct but interrelated pillars, as suggested by the Centre’s name. Under the Innovation pillar, Deloitte’s participation is promoted in projects which focus on and promote innovative practices in various sectors of the economy, such as research projects in cooperation with leading universities and research institutions throughout Europe. Under the Entrepreneurship pillar, activities and initiatives related to startups are implemented, with a vision to develop the entrepreneurship ecosystem of Cyprus.

Deloitte is also an Associated Beneficiary in the LIFE+ SmartPV project (Smart net metering for promotion and cost-efficient grid-integration of PV technology in Cyprus), which has been approved for funding under the 2012 Call. The project aims to develop and validate a cost-optimum scheme for higher RES penetration in the energy mix of Cyprus, and achieve optimization of PV grid connection using innovative net-metering and remote monitoring systems in pilot sites in Cyprus.
Deloitte is committed to the highest levels of ethics, integrity, and quality evidenced by our practices and standards. Quality is a key strategic priority that is reflected into every stage of the project life cycle, from the beginning and through to engagement close and follow up. Finally, Deloitte operates and maintains its services to the requirements of ISO 9001:2008 standard and follows its Firm Quality Management System (FQMS).

WIP Gmbh & Planungs Co KG has been active in the renewable energy and energy efficiency sectors for over three decades, providing a range of technical expert and non-technical services to both industrial and public sector clients at the international level. WIP has a long record of performing outstanding activities for, and in close co-operation with, the European Commission and German national entities; namely:
• Analytical research work following an interdisciplinary approach by tackling energy issues in their economic, legal and social framework conditions;
• Formulation of strategies for achieving greater integration of renewable energy technologies;
• High-level event management for European conferences, workshops and campaigns;
• Renewable energy systems and rational use of energy projects in all 27 EU countries;
• Expert services in Renewable Energy Policy Research, Energy Efficiency and rural energy infrastructure.

WIP offers project development, project management, technical supervision and realisation of projects, which involve the co-ordination of international consortia. With an experienced team of about 30 qualified international and interdisciplinary personnel WIP applies an integrated approach to bridge the gap between project idea and realisation. WIP is member of the European Biomass, Photovoltaic and Wind Energy Associations, EUBIA, EPIA and EWEA, as well as founding member of EUREC, the European Association of Renewable Energy Research Centres.