PowerMAX

PowerMAX brings together 19 partners from 10 countries in Europe, North America, and South America to advance the integration of Long Duration Energy Storage (LDES) into renewable-based power systems. The project develops a suite of modelling tools that combine high-resolution market simulation, grid expansion analysis, and techno-economic optimisation of storage technologies. These tools are designed to represent multiple market timeframes and to evaluate how LDES contributes to flexibility, system adequacy, and resilience. Three storage technologies—molten salt, hydrogen, and lithium-ion—are implemented in demonstration sites in Spain, Italy, and Canada, with detailed operational data used to validate models and control strategies at TRL 7. Digital twins are developed to represent both the technical behaviour of storage assets and their interaction with power markets and grid constraints, enabling systematic assessment of design options and investment pathways. Open-source software and harmonised data structures ensure replicability and uptake by the research community and system operators. Replication cases in Norway and Bolivia test the robustness of the methods across different grid and market conditions. Alongside the technical work, PowerMAX develops business models and market design recommendations, ensuring that scientific results translate into practical strategies for large-scale LDES deployment. The consortium has strong industry representation, enabling it to tackle the Innovation Action nature of PowerMAX. In total, eight industry partners are part of the consortium, including utility companies (power producers, TSOs, DSOs), technology providers such as storage companies, and providers of software and digital solutions. In addition, the consortium includes ten research partners, consultancy companies, and associations. A Stakeholder Forum will be established to bridge the gaps between innovation, market needs, and public policy.