Duitse studenten op bezoek bij Smart City Entrepreneurial Lab

How can 27 government-owned buildings in Amsterdam create charging hubs despite grid congestion? Since the beginning of this year, these buildings have been under the management and maintenance of SPIE. Recognising the potential challenges posed by grid congestion, SPIE has brought forward this issue to explore viable solutions. While immediate capacity may not always be available, innovative approaches — such as smart charging strategies, optimized energy management within the buildings, or, in critical cases, the use of generators — can make implementation possible. To achieve this, collaboration is key. With this challenge, we aim to form a consortium of partners who can work together to develop scalable solutions for any scenario.

Project goal

The goal of the 27 Charging Hubs Challenge is to develop efficient, sustainable, and scalable charging hubs for electric vehicles. The project explores innovative solutions such as hydrogen generators and smart energy management to tackle challenges like grid congestion and legal barriers.

Project phase

The project is currently in its design and finding the boundary conditions phase, with the focus now on identifying the most suitable location for the charging hubs. The coalition of partners is strong, allowing them to collaboratively define and implement the next steps.

What is the goal of the project?

The project aims to establish high-performance charging hubs that not only meet current charging demands but also serve as a blueprint for future locations within and beyond Amsterdam. In addition, concrete action points are being implemented, including quick scans and the development of a joint value proposition.

What is the result of the project?

This challenge is a collaborative initiative involving Resourcefully, Vattenfall, the Municipality of Amsterdam and SPIE. Together, they are conducting feasibility studies, designing technical solutions, and exploring funding opportunities to ensure the successful implementation of the charging hubs.

2024

In 2024, three sessions were held with the involved parties to explore possibilities and determine the next steps. Session 1 started with a large group, while Session 3 was conducted with a slightly smaller group to facilitate a faster transition to concrete actions.

Session 1: The first session focused on exploring different perspectives using the Six Thinking Hats method. Key questions included: What is needed? (White Hats), What are the obstacles? (Black Hats), and what sparks enthusiasm? (Yellow Hats). Challenges such as grid congestion, legal barriers, and collaboration complexities emerged, alongside opportunities like innovative solutions such as hydrogen generators and scalability beyond Amsterdam.

Session 2: The second session introduced relevant examples of similar collaborations, from which key principles for cooperation in this challenge were distilled. Additionally, the initial findings of a quick scan were explored.

Session 3: In the third session, a smaller group refined the ideas further, leading to concrete action points for each organization. These included developing a joint value proposition and conducting quick scans at selected locations.

Significant progress has been made in the sessions, defining key action points:
Quick scans: Energy profiles of buildings are being mapped, with Osdorpplein as the pilot location. This is executed by Resourcefully.

User profiles: Mobility data is being collected to assess charging needs and develop suitable solutions. This task is led by Vattenfall, Resourcefully, and the Municipality of Amsterdam. It is still under review whether an NDA is required.

Physical preconditions: Available parking options around Osdorpplein in Amsterdam, including the parking garage and spaces near the municipal entrance, are being analysed by SPIE and the Municipality of Amsterdam.

Seed budget: Funding opportunities for an initial budget are being explored, a task assigned to Amsterdam InChange and SPIE.

Who initiated the project and which organizations are involved?

The project was initiated by SPIE. The following organizations are involved:

Resourcefully, Vattenfall and the Municipality of Amsterdam.

Next Steps

SPIE and Vattenval will check out the most interesting locations in Amsterdam to see where a pilot could be started.

The City of Amsterdam has taken the initiative to develop the Modular Circular Utility Hub, an innovative concept aimed at providing a future-proof solution to challenges related to space utilization, finances, technology, aesthetics, and climate. The Nutshub concept is part of two parallel trajectories: a local innovation process that was already underway and a second trajectory in which the concept is being submitted as part of the EU call "Rethinking Urban Spaces Towards Climate Neutrality."

Project Phase

The project is currently in its research- and implementing phase. A significant step was taken during a digital meeting on December 19, 2024, where a coalition of stakeholders began forming, and the plans for the EU subsidy application were further solidified.

What is the goal of the project?

The primary goal of the project is to demonstrate the Utility Hub concept on a practical level through two pilot projects. These pilots will showcase how utilities and shared elements, such as solar panels and community functions, can be integrated into public spaces. This approach aims to optimize space usage, offer more sustainable solutions, and improve the quality of life in increasingly dense urban areas.

What are the expected results?

The initial outcome of the project includes enthusiastic commitments from various project partners to support the EU subsidy application. These commitments provide a strong foundation for the further development and implementation of the Utility Hub pilots. Additionally, a collective approach and shared sense of urgency surrounding the challenges have been reaffirmed.

Two pilot projects are set to develop the Utility Hub concept, enhancing the quality of public spaces. Several organizations have committed as project partners, while others will act as executing parties without formal roles.

Plans for 2025

In 2025, the focus will shift to refining the subsidy application and further developing the pilot projects. Key steps include:

• Finalizing work packages and project structure in January.
• Continuing collaboration with knowledge institutions.
• Organizing follow-up meetings.
• Building a coalition with other interested parties.

Who initiated the project, and which organizations are involved?

The project was initiated by the City of Amsterdam. The following organizations are involved:

Project partners: Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences (HvA), AMS Institute, TNO, and VDL.

Executing parties: Alliander, Vattenfall, and Bright.

Internationally, Lyon and Stockholm are involved as the Lead City and Lighthouse Cities, respectively.

What’s next?

The coalition of project partners, together with the City of Amsterdam, will submit an application for the EU Horizon Call. The deadline for submission is February 11, with the hope of securing the funding to bring the vision to life. It is important to note that even if the EU does not approve the project, the local innovation trajectory will continue independently.

This Wednesday we have 2 speakers introducing you to the latest on synthetic media (deepfakes) and digital humans.

• Manon den Dunnen
  Introducing you to the latest developments in synthetic media (deepfake, LLM's)

• Mao Lin Liao (Reblium)
  Introducing the challenges and possibilities of customized digital humans (avatars) and their various applications.

Looking forward to seeing you! Presentations are in Engels, maar we spreken ook Nederlands!