. Supermarkets and EV charging as AI-optimized grid assets
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STORE · Supermarkets and EV charging as AI-optimized grid assets
The STORE project is developing an innovative AI-based energy management solution aimed at efficiently utilizing electricity generated on-site from photovoltaic systems, improving grid stability, and enhancing overall energy efficiency.
Another key component of the project is the intelligent integration of large-scale electric vehicle charging infrastructure into supermarket operations. Supermarkets are envisioned as the “filling stations of the future” – flexible, sustainable, and economical. Partners from Cyprus, Germany, and Tunisia are collaborating to develop a scalable solution tailored to diverse local conditions.
PROJECT · DESCRIPTION
Detailed Description
STORE · MOTIVATION & FOCUS
Motivation and Climate Goals
The challenges of climate change and its resulting consequences are motivating many countries to achieve the goal of climate neutrality. The governments of the European Union (EU) have committed to achieving this milestone by 2050. Realizing this vision requires the use of innovative technologies, the integration of various renewable energies into the existing energy infrastructure, and the electrification of certain sectors. Reducing overall energy consumption and enabling demand-driven distribution are also key aspects.
Focus on Supermarkets and E-Mobility
The STORE project focuses on supermarkets, which consume up to 56% more electricity than the rest of the retail sector, representing a significant opportunity for energy optimization. Additionally, the project addresses the rapidly growing demand for energy and charging infrastructure driven by the recent surge in e-mobility. By targeting these two interconnected challenges, high consumption and increasing charging demands, STORE aims to create impactful, scalable solutions that support sustainable and efficient energy management in the retail environment.
STORE · OBJECTIVES
Objective: Development of the SFEM
The overall goal of STORE is to develop an AI-based Smart Flexibility Energy Manager (SFEM). This innovative system is designed to integrate large-scale electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure into supermarket operations while utilizing electricity generated on-site via photovoltaic systems. The aim is to enhance both grid stability and energy efficiency.
Supermarkets are viewed as potential filling stations of the future, making them ideal testbeds for smart energy management. Within the project, the solution will be systematically developed, technically and economically evaluated, and optimized for real-world use.
Carried out across Cyprus, Germany, and Tunisia, the project addresses diverse local conditions to create a robust and transferable energy management model.
STORE · GOALS
To achieve this goal, the project has set itself seven specific objectives
- Stabilisation of the power supply grid through AI-supported energy management
- Optimised distribution and storage of the electricity generated by the supermarket using photovoltaics
- Development of a holistic storage concept
- Creation of an innovative business model customised to the target group
- Development of an innovative data collection method for a high-quality data pool
- Implementation of the international approach through the applicability of the SFEM in different environmental conditions
- Capacity building of the parties involved through the exchange of international expertise from industry and science
STORE · SIMULATION & COORDINATION
Data, Simulation and Project Coordination
The functions of the SFEM are designed to support and contribute to the achievement of the project’s objectives. The data used for its development will be sourced directly from ongoing supermarket operations, ensuring a strong alignment with real-world conditions.
As part of this process, a comprehensive market analysis will be conducted in the three participating countries to identify new potential revenue streams in the fields of electromobility and electricity grids. The insights gained will directly inform the development of multi-layered, application-oriented business models.
To maximise effectiveness, real-world operational data will be complemented by virtual simulations. The SFEM’s energy management system will apply advanced scientific methods to optimise load scheduling, energy storage, and the provision of flexibility services.
A professional transfer concept will ensure targeted communication and knowledge exchange at local, national, and international levels. Within the overall project, the Institute of New Energy Systems (InES) at the Technische Hochschule Ingolstadt (THI) is responsible for coordinating the project network. In this role, THI plays a central part in the planning, organisation, and communication within the consortium.
STORE · COMPONENTS
STORE · PARTNERS · INSTITUTES · INDUSTRY
STORE · Cooperation partners
This project is carried out by:
- Institute of new Energy Systems (InES) · Technische Hochschule Ingolstadt (THI), Germany
- LaRINa (Research Laboratory of Smart Grids and Nanotechnology) · University of Carthage, Tunisia
- PV Technology Laboratory · University of Cyprus, Cyprus
- Steinbacher-Consult Ingenieurgesellschaft mbH & Co. KG · Germany
STORE · Associated partners
Aziza Group, Handelsverband Deutschland e.V., MediaMarktSaturn Retail Group GmbH, Schwarz Corporate Affairs GmbH & Co. KG, IoWaves, Wurm GmbH & Co. KG Elektronische Systeme, DSO Cyprus, STEG Tunisia
PARTNER · INSTITUTES
InES · Technische Hochschule Ingolstadt, Germany
Institute of new Energy Systems (InES) is part of Technische Hochschule Ingolstadt (THI). One of the core pillars of THI’s internationalization strategy is the cooperation with African countries which is strongly driven by InES: For more than 20 years, InES has successfully coordinated cooperation projects with a focus on local business partners as well as universities in Africa. With a total of seven projects implemented or ongoing to date, InES collaborated with various local and international industry partners so far – all of them in the sphere of applied RE technologies.
LaRINa · University of Carthage, Tunisia
LaRINa (Research Laboratory in Smart Grids and Nanotechnology) is part of the National School of Advanced Sciences and Technologies of Borj Cedria, University of Carthage, Tunisia. Established in 2016, LaRINa specializes in AI, smart grids, IoT, and nanotechnology, with applications across energy, agriculture, sustainable mobility, and smart cities.
The laboratory maintains strong ties with THI and HTWK Leipzig in Germany, the University of Gustave Eiffel in France, Al Akhawayn University (AUI) in Morocco and INAT and INGREF in Tunisia. LaRINa collaborates with a wide range of national and international industrial partners. Key partnerships include STEG, ANME, Helios, DeepVolt, Hawkar, and Horizop Energy. It is also an active member of « Cluster Mecatronic Tunisia », which brings together over 100 companies in the mechatronics sector.
Internationally, LaRINa is involved in several international projects on renewable energy and mobility, including ongoing initiatives like Dig-E-Farm, GEF7 UNIDO (e-mobility), and STORE, as well as completed projects such as REMO, P-Solar, and Ta’ziz Partnership.
PV Technology Laboratory · UCY, Cyprus
The University of Cyprus (UCY) is participating through the PV Technology Laboratory. The UCY is the largest university in Cyprus, and it is ranked in the top 351-400 Universities worldwide, with an excellent track record in research in the field of renewable energy in the past 16 years. The PV Lab’s main priority is the development of a research and innovation portfolio in renewable energy technology, PV performance, and integrated sustainable solutions. The Lab has extensive experience in European, National and Industrially funded projects, as coordinator and partner with a track record of more than 80 projects, securing more than 25 Million EUR in funding.
PARTNER · INDUSTRY
Steinbacher-Consult · Germany
Steinbacher-Consult is an engineering service provider for infrastructure development in the areas of mobility, transportation, environment and energy. Its range of services includes strategy consulting, (inter-)municipal electromobility concepts and the planning and development of mobility hubs and charging parks. Steinbacher-Consult develops software solutions for interconnected energy and mobility infrastructures. The company owns an electrified fleet and operates its own charging infrastructure to test new charging solutions.
CETPartnership · European Union
Clean Energy Transition Partnership (CETPartnership) · Co-funded by the European Union
»CET Partnership · European Union
BMWE · Federal Republic of Germany
Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWE) · Germany
» BMWE · Germany
MESRS · Republic of Tunisia
Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research · Republic of Tunisia
» MESRS · Republic of Tunisia
STORE · PUBLICATIONS
Article Platzhalter · Lorem Ipsum
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STORE · TEAM
TEAM · InES · Technische Hochschule Ingolstadt, Germany
Elena HOFER
Project Coordinator
TEAM · LaRINa · University of Carthage, Tunisia
Prof. Khaled GRAYAA
Country Coordinator
Dr. Ikbal CHAMMAKHI MSADAA
Research Coordinator · POINT OF CONTACT
Dr. Faten KARDOUS
Assistant Professor & Researcher
Dr. Mariem TROJETTE
Assistant Professor & Researcher
Sirine MAAROUFI
PhD Candidate
Hajer GRIRA
PhD Candidate
Dr. Youssef DHIEB
PostDoc
TEAM · PV Technology Laboratory · University of Cyprus, Cyprus
Georgios YIASOUMAS
Researcher · POINT OF CONTACT
George GEORGHIOU
Country Coordinator & Director of the PV Technology Laboratory
TEAM · Steinbacher Consult · Germany
Steffen LAUTER
Consultant · POINT OF CONTACT
Benjamin DIETZ
Consultant
We cannot solve our problems with the same thinking we used when we created them.
Albert Einstein
10/2025 First In-Person Consortium Meeting
First In-Person Consortium Meeting The STORE Project held its first in-person meeting in Nicosia, Cyprus, from 14 to 16 October. Hosted by the University of Cyprus, the event brought together the consortium partners from Tunisia, Cyprus and Germany. The visit marked an important step in further strengthening international collaboration within the project. During the two-day… Continue Reading 10/2025 First In-Person Consortium Meeting