Published: March 2026
Project: U2Demo – Horizon Europe (GA No. 101160684)
Authors: Nuno Velosa, Hugo Morais, Lucas Pereira
Based on: “Day-ahead optimization model for renewable energy communities considering load shifting, electric vehicles and vehicle-to-grid technology” (Sustainable Energy, Grids and Networks, 2026)
A Major Step Forward for Energy Communities in Europe
A new scientific publication developed within the U2Demo project presents a cutting‑edge day‑ahead optimization model designed specifically for Renewable Energy Communities (RECs). The model integrates load shifting, electric vehicle (EV) charging management, and vehicle‑to‑grid (V2G) capabilities in a single framework—something no previous study has fully combined.
The paper introduces a multi-objective optimization model that helps RECs:
- Maximize self‑consumption of locally generated renewable energy
- Reduce energy costs for households
- Smartly coordinate EV charging and discharging (V2G)
- Respect household comfort and flexibility constraints
Unlike previous research, this model is fully integrated, meaning that all these factors are optimized simultaneously—not separately.
Key Innovations
1. Integrated Load Shifting Using Multiple Knapsack Optimization
The model reorganizes flexible appliance usage (e.g., washing machines, dishwashers) to match renewable production peaks—without reducing user comfort.
2. Advanced EV and V2G Coordination
It schedules when EVs should charge, store excess solar energy, or discharge back to the community grid.
3. Multi‑Objective Optimization
Using an ε‑constraint method and Pareto frontier, the model balances:
- Maximizing self‑sufficiency (SS)
- Minimizing energy cost
- Prioritizing user comfort
4. Realistic Real‑World Data
The model was tested using:
- Portuguese household flexibility profiles
- Real EV availability datasets
- Time‑of‑Use (ToU) tariffs from local energy providers
Outstanding Results: Up to 99% Self‑Sufficiency
Across three experiments, the model showed remarkable improvements for energy communities:
Experiment 1 — Maximizing Self‑Consumption
- Self‑sufficiency increased from 17.06% to 99.27%
- Grid imports dropped from 14.27 kWh to just 0.46 kWh
- Daily energy cost dropped from 8.54 € to –1.18 €
Experiment 2 — Minimizing Energy Cost
- Energy cost decreased from 8.54 € to –3.47 € per day
- Achieved through strategic EV charging during off‑peak tariffs
Experiment 3 — Multi‑Objective Optimization
- Identified the best compromise solution, which also reached 99% SS
- Demonstrated that communities can be both highly autonomous and cost‑efficient
These results strongly confirm the potential of smart optimization combined with EV flexibility to transform the way RECs function. And the new model aligns perfectly with U2Demo’s ambition to build scalable, community-centric energy systems:
- It enables prosumers to get more value from their solar generation.
- It supports grid stability, reducing peak demand.
- It helps community managers make smarter, data-driven decisions.
- It accelerates Europe’s renewable energy transition by empowering citizens.
Access the Full Publication
This work is openly available through Sustainable Energy, Grids and Networks (Elsevier):
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.segan.2026.102202
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