What is PILOT PLANT 3 all about?
- Real-scale validation of advanced storage systems under real operating conditions.
- Modular hybrid storage infrastructure to integrate multiple technologies.
- Shared DC architecture with bidirectional converters, EMS and SCADA for intelligent energy management.
- Regulatory testbench -sandbox- to test flexibility services, grid support and new business models.
PP3 is PRIMA’s pilot plant dedicated to the real-scale validation of advanced electrochemical storage systems, smart energy management and flexibility services under real operating and market conditions. Rather than focusing solely on battery chemistry, PP3 addresses the full integration challenge from individual storage assets to aggregated flexibility services within a shared DC bus architecture that enables hybrid multi-technology operation.
Infrastructure and technical capacities
Electrochemical enegy storage systems
Modular 1 MW energy storage system integrating multiple battery technologies through a shared DC architecture. Includes lithium-ion, redox flow and second-life batteries with scalable and flexible configurations.
DC busbars to interconnect equipment
Reconfigurable DC busbars interconnecting batteries, renewable generation and DC-based energy systems. Connected to PRIMAˇs AC network through bidirectional converters for flexible operation.
Energy management system (EMS)
Advanced EMS platform for battery monitoring, charge control and intelligent energy optimisation. Integrates real-time data, market signals and AI-based forecasting and operational strategies.
AC/DC/AC converters
Modular bidirectional converters connecting the DC bus with the AC grid infrastructure. Designed to maximise efficiency, flexibility and operational stability under different scenarios.
Battery test benches
Testing infrastructure with up to 2 MW capacity for validating battery systems under real conditions. Can operate connected either to the DC architecture or directly to the AC grid.
Battery charging systems & connection to MV grid
Flexible charging via renewable generation or medium-voltage grid. Validates self-consumption, hybridisation and utility-scale flexibility.
Interconnection with other pilot plants and SCADA system
Integrated infrastructure enabling interaction with hydrogen,
renewable integration and mobility pilot plants. Supports advanced SCADA operation, cross-sector energy services and configurable DC architectures.
Service catalogue
PP3 offers access to its infrastructure and technical expertise through a range of tailored collaboration formats, from open-access testing ampaigns to long-term joint research agreements.
Validation of grid services and flexibility – Sandbox scenario
Demonstration & testing of batteries hybridised with renewable generation
Demonstration & testing of batteries in industrial, tertiary & residential applications
Testing of BMS & EMS functionalities
Validation & commissioning of New battery models
DC/AC/DC converter demonstrator & test bench
Demand aggregation & energy communities
Battery recycling processes for second-life applications & material recovery
Training & upskilling of professionals
Download the PRIMA pilot plant 3 brochure
Explore the infrastructure, capabilities and deployment roadmap of this strategic European PRIMA.
Target users
PRIMA offers a portfolio of services aimed at a broad range of stakeholders, including companies, SMEs, start-ups, technology centres, public administrations, clusters, and R&D&I organisations seeking to reduce technological risks, validate solutions before commercial deployment, and explore new business models linked to the energy transition.
The services are organised into seven areas of activity:
Testing & validation (self-testing, open testing & technology
assessment)
Regulatory sandboxes & new business & remuneration models
SME participation in large consortia & AI-Driven european projects
Training & upskilling of energy transition professionals
Demonstration & dissemination (new equipment & systems operating under real-life conditions)
R&D&I projects developed by different technological & research organisations
Business creation, venturing programmes & start-up support
Contact the PRIMA team to find out more about PP3’s facilities, technical capabilities and collaboration opportunities. You may contact us via e-mail at info.prima@irec.cat