Navigating flexibility management
One of the most important issues arising from the energy transition and the increasing decentralization of energy systems is flexibility management. Flexibility management ensures grid stability. We enable our customers to manage that flexibility.
Embrace the Change
The growing issue of net congestion in the energy sector is forcing industry players to rethink their operating model and service offerings. As renewable energy sources and decentralized production rapidly increase, the sector faces increasing pressure to manage fluctuating supply and demand on the grid. Flexibility is key to efficiently and effectively handle these changes.
Eraneos’ annual pulse survey
We monitor flexibility management in various European markets through our “pulse survey,” which offers insights into the current state and trends in the energy sector. The pulse survey is conducted verbally in the form of a short interview, either in person or via Teams. The results are compiled into a periodic report with insights and conclusions, available to all participants.
Why focus on flexibility management?
Flexibility management enables organizations to balance energy supply and demand efficiently by adjusting the generation, consumption or storage of energy. This is becoming increasingly significant due to the energy transition from fossil fuels to sustainable sources such as solar, wind, and hydropower, driven by the ambitious climate targets the Dutch government has set to reduce the greenhouse gas emission by 55% and generate 70% of electricity sustainably by 2030. Find out more about the energy transition in this article. The transformation to sustainable energy sources requires a redesign of how the energy grid operates. Traditional energy grids were built for predictable, controllable power generation, while renewables are inherently variable and volatile –fluctuating due to varying environmental conditions. This variability in energy supply can lead to net congestion on the grid.
The energy transition is happening now, and the energy market is more dynamic than ever before.
Flexibility management ensures a stable energy supply as the use of renewable sources grows. Players in the energy value chain will need to invest in new technologies and business models that prioritize flexibility and prevent net congestion. A recent example is the Battery Storage Agreement between TenneT and GIGA Storage, which utilizes a large battery system to store excess energy and balance the grid, ensuring a stable power supply despite the unpredictability of renewable energy sources.
Eraneos’ role in flexibility management
Substantial investment is needed across the energy value chain to enable a sustainable and resilient energy future. At Eraneos we support clients to develop new business models and explore, test, and scale new technologies. Find out more about the support we offer:
Demand forecasting and optimization in the energy and utility sector are essential to ensure reliable energy supply, minimize costs, enhance grid stability, and effectively integrate renewable energy sources while meeting consumer needs. We can assist in developing strategies and predicting future energy consumption using AI analyses, leveraging historical data, market trends, and environmental patterns.
Integrating renewable energy in the energy and utility sector is essential for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, enhancing energy security, promoting sustainability, and transitioning to a more resilient and diversified energy system. We can help optimize grid operations and infrastructure to ensure reliability during the shift to renewable energy sources.
To facilitate the integration of renewable energy sources while minimizing costs for consumers and utilities, we need Demand-Side Management (DSM) and flexibility services. Eraneos can assist in implementing strategies and programs that encourage consumers to adjust their energy usage patterns, helping to balance supply and demand.
Effective grid monitoring and maintenance are essential for ensuring system reliability, preventing outages, optimizing asset performance, and reducing operational costs through timely interventions. Eraneos can help introduce AI solutions to predict equipment failures and implement automated grid balancing validation, increasing efficiency and reducing error rates.
Swiftly responding to demand fluctuations and ensuring efficient pricing are essential for accommodating the increasing variability of renewable energy sources. Eraneos can assist organizations by utilizing AI for real-time trading based on market fluctuations, maximizing profits from flexible energy sources.
The integration with Smart Grids enables real-time monitoring and control of energy consumption, facilitating dynamic adjustments based on supply conditions and demand fluctuations. We can help incorporate advanced digital technologies to enhance efficiency, reliability, and consumer engagement.
Koen Rozendaal
Senior Manager – Digital Business & Innovation
Transportation & Logistics | Energy & Utilities