Parking for Power – Open Innovation Call

EIT Climate-KIC is presenting yet another Open Innovation Call within the framework of the EU Interreg-project Smart Cities Accelerator (SCA): Parking for Power.

Aim of the Open Innovation Call

The challenges in this Open Innovation Call target how cities can introduce a drastically larger number of charging stations for electric cars in new parking garages without causing power shortage in the distribution grid. The solution should allow for as many charging stations as possible, with as low power outtake from the grid as possible.

The solution should also allow the parking garage to be a flexibility provider for the distribution grid. It should be a user-friendly and environmentally excellent solution as well as an economic win-win situation for both the owner of the parking garage and the grid operator.

Rationale for the Challenge

There are two major trends that have significant impact on the background of the call. The first is the situation of the distribution grid, and the second is the rapid electrification of the transport sector.

The distribution grid in southern Sweden is already facing major challenges. While cities like Malmö and Lund are growing rapidly, the regional power consumption far outgrows the production. The capacity available from the national transmission grid is limited and will not be expanded until 2027. When power peaks occur, the electricity consumption is exceeding the regional power grid subscription level towards the national transmission grid.

The call therefore wants to find synergetic solutions that enable owners of parking garages to drastically increase the number of charging stations for electric cars in an economical sustainable way for both the owner of the parking garage and for the grid operator, and that the solution at the same time is in line with the city’s environmental goals.

The Challenge

The process of the call is conducted as a procurement with a direct award. The intention of the organizers is to, without prior publication, offer the winner a paid contract with Parkering Malmö. The aim is to implement the winning solution in the new parking garage in the Sege Park area, one of Malmö’s prioritized development areas until the year 2025.

Parkering Malmö, together with the City of Malmö, wants to take the lead when it comes to construction of sustainable and climate-smart buildings and has designated the parking garage in Sege Park as a pilot project for the next-generation parking garage. It will be built in a wooden construction, with concrete only in the foundation, and the facades will be covered in green plants.

Rainwater from neighbouring areas will be collected for watering of the green facades and stored in waterbeds when in excess. The garage will store around 600 cars whereof at least 15 will be carpooling cars. There will also be space for bikes, cargo bikes, electric bikes and scooters. Rental bikes from the Malmö by bike-concept will be in connection to the parking garage, as well as a bus stop for the Malmö Express Line No. 4, enabling combined mobility for both residents and commuters.

Further Information on the Call

All proposals must be presented via the submission form on the Call website by 20 March, 12 noon CET, 2019. For further information and to apply to the Call, please visit the Parking for Power Innovation Call.

For more information and questions concerning the competition, please get in touch with Jakob Stolt, Senior Project Manager, EIT Climate-KIC:
(+45) 28 10 98 92, jakob.stolt@climate-kic.org.