AIMPRESS is designed to tackle persistent territorial challenges within the Adriatic-Ionian region through the deployment of cutting-edge, circular, and digital strategies through the creation and dissemination of a scalable framework to minimize GHGs of ports, thereby promoting climate-neutral smart mobility across the Adriatic-Ionian region. AIMPRESS is aiming towards climate change mitigation, GHGs and noise pollution reduction, and the enhancement of air quality and operational efficiency.
Project approach
AIMPRESS focuses on sustainable development, operational efficiency, and decarbonization in the Adriatic-Ionian region. The maritime sector, historically dependent on conventional energy sources (such as fossil fuels) and outdated practices, has had significant negative environmental impacts. The AIMPRESS identifies the urgent need for a sustainable transition, requiring interregional cooperation and joint action plans.
With over 350 ports, the region’s transport network plays a crucial economic role. However, many ports struggle with aging infrastructure, inefficient energy use, and a lack of smart technologies, leading to operational inefficiencies.
The AIMPRESS project addresses these challenges by improving transport efficiency between the coast and hinterland, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and transitioning to renewable energy sources. Key innovations include:
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- A sustainable cold-ironing scheme,
- Digital smart solutions,
- Hybrid renewable energy systems in a holistic framework,
- Advanced technologies like the Port Digital Shadow and the AI-based Energy Management System.
Aligned with the EU Green Deal and the TEN-T policy, AIMPRESS supports the EU Strategy for the Adriatic and Ionian Region (EUSAIR) by promoting economic growth, environmental quality, and sustainable tourism. By transforming challenges into opportunities, AIMPRESS sets a new standard for sustainable maritime operations, paving the way for smart, nearly zero-emission port systems in the ADRION region.
Role of the ENOVA in AIMPRESS
As a partner in the AIMPRESS project, ENOVA support the following activities at enhancing operational efficiency and sustainability:
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- Design and development of PV system and storage,
- Energy aware virtualization of port systems operation,
- Design and development of AI-based Ports’ Energy Management System,
- Environmental impact assessment,
- Methodological approach of the efficiency evaluation of the AIMPRESS technologies,
- Methodological approach and analysis for the scalability and replicability of the AIMPRESS technologies,
- Capacity building and technical upskilling.
Technical University of Crete is the lead partner (LP) of this project which includes other 10 partners from 7 countries in the Adrion area:
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- Technical University of Crete – Greece (EL)
- CLEAN ENERGY LTD – Greece (EL)
- Polytechnic University of Marche – Italy (IT)
- Faculty of Technology and Metallurgy, University of Belgrade – Serbia (RS)
- Natural Agency of Natural Resources – Albania (AL)
- SDEWES Centre – Croatia (HR)
- ENOVA d.o.o. Sarajevo – Bosnia Herzegovina (BA)
- Central Adriatic Ports Authority – Italy (IT)
- Port of Split Authority – Croatia (HR)
- AD Marina Bar – Montenegro (ME)
- UoM – Faculty of Metallurgy and Technology – Montenegro (ME)