SDEWES INDEX
related metrics presents an opportunity to trigger policy learning, action, and cooperation to bring cities closer to sustainable development.
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.
AIMPRESS focuses on promoting sustainable development, operational efficiency, and decarbonisation (carbon neutrality). The region's strategic location in terms of transport and mobility for both people and goods is hampered by several territorial discontinuities, a direct consequence of its geomorphological structure and history. Maritime sector in Adriatic-Ionian region has historically relied on conventional energy sources (such as fossil fuels) and old-fashioned operational methodologies, leading to substantial negative environmental impacts.
The AIMPRESS identifies the urgent need for a transition towards sustainable practices, a challenge that necessitates collaborative, interregional efforts and joint action plans and solutions.
Ports in the region, with over 350 registered, serve as vital nodes in the transport network, with their efficiency having a direct impact on the wider economy. Many of these ports grapple with outdated infrastructure, inefficient energy management, and a lack of smart solutions, resulting in operational inefficiencies.
The AIMPRESS project aims to alleviate, or even address these issues and enhance operational efficiency, thereby improving the transport of people and the exchange of goods from the coast to the hinterland and vice-versa. The maritime sector is a significant contributor to GHGs; achieving carbon neutrality in maritime operations is a pressing challenge that requires innovative solutions and a shift towards RES. The AIMPRESS project is strategically positioned to address these common challenges and leverage the opportunities they present. By developing and implementing the framework for the innovative sustainable cold-ironing scheme, digital smart solutions, innovative HRES in a holistic framework, the project will contribute to the transition towards smart, sustainable, nearly zero port systems. Particularly, AIMPRESS will enhance operational efficiency through the adoption of innovative technologies like the established Port Digital Shadow and the AI-based Energy Management System. The project aligns with the broader goals of the EU Green Deal and supports the Adriatic-Ionian transport sector's role within the upcoming TEN-T policy. It also contributes to the EU Strategy for the Adriatic and Ionian Region (EUSAIR), which aims to promote economic and social prosperity and growth in the region.
The AIMPRESS project aims to transform all these challenges into opportunities for sustainable growth and development, setting a new standard for maritime operations in the Adriatic-Ionian region and paving the way forward for a sustainable future, perfectly aligned with the predominant goals of the EUSAIR, seeking to overall promote blue growth, environmental quality, and sustainable tourism within the ADRION region (MSP).
Technical University of Crete is the lead partner (LP) of this project which includes other 10 partners from 7 countries in the Adrion area:
1. Technical University of Crete - Greece (EL)
2. CLEAN ENERGY LTD - Greece (EL)
3. Polytechnic University of Marche - Italy (IT)
4. Faculty of Technology and Metallurgy, University of Belgrade - Serbia (RS)
5. Natural Agency of Natural Resources - Albania (AL)
6. SDEWES Centre - Croatia (HR)
7. ENOVA d.o.o. Sarajevo - Bosnia Herzegovina (BA)
8. Central Adriatic Ports Authority - Italy (IT)
9. Port of Split Authority - Croatia (HR)
10. AD Marina Bar - Montenegro (ME)
11. UoM – Faculty of Metallurgy and Technology - Montenegro (ME)