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Description
Sunly is an Estonian company developing renewable energy. The aim of ReFinder map application, co-developed by Sunly and its Norwegian partner Vardar AS, is to enhance the process of selecting suitable land plots for renewable energy by integrating various relevant databases into one application with user-friendly interface with data visualisation. The site selection process for new renewable energy project is both time-consuming and resourceful. The aim of ReFinder is to automatise this process and as such provide means for wider uptake of renewable energy.
The map application is a day-to-day tool in which the user is able to choose between various data layers about numerous parameters and land-use restrictions. But in addition to conventional map application features, ReFinder provides the means to offer services to various customer segments. This will be based on integration and instantaneous analysis of data-intensive datasets. As a result, solutions based on end-customer needs will be developed, which will turn renewable energy planning much more efficient and simpler. This in turn ensures that wider segments of society will be part of the green transition of the economy.
Project partner Vardar will actively take part and provide input for the whole development process, from compilation of TOR to design of end-user product. Their knowledge of market needs and network of connection in this domain are considerable asset for the whole development.
Summary of project results
Project addressed the low use of renewable energy as its main challenge. Community energy production in Europe has huge potential: a recent study found that half of EU citizens – including local communities, schools and hospitals – could be producing their own renewable electricity by 2050, meeting 45% of the EU’s energy demand. Still, it''s very difficult and time-consuming for ordinary people to find the best areas for new wind and solar projects, understand their costs and profitability, and then get all paperwork done.
For this, a map application for pre-selecting potential areas for renewable energy usage was developed, called "ReFinder". Application aims to aggregate different levels of information in the Baltic and Scandinavian countries and turn planning of renewable projects more efficient and user friendly.
ReFinder is a multi-purpose map application, which helps both local communities, end-customers and renewable energy development companies to easily find best areas for renewable energy production and monitor and benchmark existing power plants. In addition, the platform enables technology providers to make price quotations for constructing the power plants, creating a transparent and competitive marketplace for everyone.
The aim of the project was to develop and validate RF software for Estonian, Latvian, Lithuanian, Polish, Finnish and Norwegian territories. For this, several geospatial data tasks were performed in Estonia, Latvia, and Norway. The application had both front- and back-end developments, UI/UX design tests, LiDAR data added, SCADA software integration, and end-consumer-supplier marketplace platform developed. The platform developments have been completed and is operational.
The impact of the application can be considered significant in the field of renewable energy as it enables to analyse the land plots for the environmental restrictions and technical feasibility. The web application relies on public and private data sources from energy operators, sensors, satellites, and own modelling algorithms. This improves customer experience in renewable energy, encourages people to start producing renewable energy without previous knowledge and helps people join the community energy revolution.
Summary of bilateral results
Partnership is assessed as a fruitful collaboration. The input by Norwegian partner Vardar AS provided new connections and insights about the local energy market. Close partnership shall continue after the project.