About team SHIFT
SHIFT has one goal in mind: creating the next generation of intelligent, resilient, and sustainable energy systems powered by AI. Our mission is to tackle some of the most urgent challenges in today’s energy landscape: How can critical infrastructure secure reliable power in an unstable grid? How can we reduce dependence on fossil fuels without compromising safety? And how can we enable this transition in a way that is both technologically innovative and economically viable?
Our answer is an AI-driven energy management system that coordinates renewables, hydrogen, batteries, and grid interaction to deliver clean, uninterrupted power where it matters most.
As a multidisciplinary student team, all our members are working hard to achieve our goals. Founded in 2021, we work from the TU/e Innovation Space and Neuron, the center of expertise for challenge-based learning and student entrepreneurship at TU/e.
Adressing the problem
Hospitals face a growing energy challenge: their demand for reliable, uninterrupted power is increasing, while the electricity grid is becoming more congested, less predictable, and more dependent on weather-driven renewable production. This mismatch between when clean energy is produced and when hospitals actually need it creates serious risks.
Some have solar panels installed but are not able to sell (all) their excess produced energy to the grid.
Some want to install solar panels, but are not able to because they cannot get a grid connection.
Starting in 2025 energy producers will only receive compensation for a portion of the energy they returned to the grid, due to Dutch government wanting phase out the “balancing system”.
In order to combat these problems, SHIFT is developing an AI-driven hydrogen microgrid designed specifically for healthcare environments. Our intelligent energy management system forecasts hospital demand, optimizes solar and battery usage, and controls electrolyzers and fuel cells to ensure every component operates at its full potential. This system turns unused renewable energy into hydrogen that can be safely stored and converted back into electricity, providing hospitals with the Energy Security that renewable energy now lacks.
Are you interested in contributing to the future of hydrogen from a technical and managerial perspective, or you know of a hospital in a similar situation? Don’t hesitate to contact us!
