Flexibility in the Belgian Energy Grid
Flexibility in the context of the Belgian energy grid refers to the ability of distribution network users to adjust their electricity consumption or production in response to external signals (such as prices or requests from grid operators) to contribute to the balance and stability of the electricity grid.
Flexibility Service Providers (FSPs)
A Flexibility Service Provider (FSP) provides flexibility from themselves or from one or more flexibility participants as a flexibility service to one or more flexibility requesters. This could be an aggregator, a network user, or another market party, such as a supplier or balance responsible party.
FSPs can participate in products such as network balancing, day-ahead and intraday flexibility, and supply security. They can also offer commercial services to network users, suppliers, or balance responsible parties. Finally, flexibility can also be used for local congestion management by the grid operator.
Importance and Challenges for FSPs
From the speeches of Elia and Fluvius, it is clear that they are actively contracting more Flexibility Service Providers (FSPs), with initial auctions starting soon.
This effort addresses the rapid increase in solar and wind energy production (e.g., PV capacity has tripled in 5 years) and the continuously rising electricity demand, both of which raise the risk of congestion. Effective local congestion management is vital. FSPs are thus necessary due to the variability of solar and wind energy coupled with increasing electrification.
Many potential FSPs are unaware they qualify for this role. Better informing and supporting these providers can enhance grid flexibility and stability, making the energy system more resilient and efficient.
Energy Management Systems (EMS)
Listening to the pitches of the winners of the 'Low Voltage Flexibility' Challenge - Elia Group powered by Flux50, it is noticeable that almost all winners are involved in the development/marketing of Energy Management Systems (EMS), supported by necessary AI implementations.
Essentially, these energy management systems collect various information from various energy assets (PV, chargers, batteries, …), optimize production and consumption via AI, and control the assets.
Challenges for EMS
Conversations with suppliers during networking have highlighted a notable issue in the market. While there are numerous players (domestic and foreign), the lack of clear and open communication protocols poses a significant challenge. This lack of standardization makes it difficult to ensure effective communication with all possible chargers, batteries, and other components. It is crucial to consider this issue carefully when purchasing an EMS.
Furthermore, the use of AI in EMS systems also lacks clarity and openness. It's essential to address this issue to prevent potential problems. For instance, if all EMS systems initiate EV charging simultaneously, it could lead to congestion or even worse.
Sense and Nonsense of Individually Owned Batteries
There are quite a few projects and realizations in this area. However, the question remains whether individual batteries are a viable solution. For most companies and individuals, the return on investment is often too low for a non-core investment. In contrast, community batteries, serving neighborhoods or industrial areas, are more efficient, safer, and allow cost-sharing, improving returns. More energy communities are needed, especially residential, but legislation still poses the necessary barriers.
Conclusion
In short, the importance of flexibility on our grid continues to grow in times of increasing electrification and the expansion of green energy. This trend creates many challenges in the market but also presents numerous opportunities.
