Abhishek Shivakumar

Need for Flexibility and Potential Solutions

With an increasing penetration of variable renewables in the EU in recent years, the flexibility of its power system is of critical importance. In this chapter, we first assess flexibility considerations in the past, prior to market liberalization. We then analyze the impact of increasing penetration of renewables on flexibility requirements. Further, we identify existing options to provide this flexibility. Finally, we use model-based analysis, we quantitatively assess potential solutions to deploying temporary production and storage. Business models and potential evolutions of the legislative framework associated with the different solutions are also proposed.

Chapter 25 – Conclusions

Previous chapters in this section addressed the need for a reliable, flexible, and secure energy system. Solutions to affordably achieve a transition to a low-carbon energy system that fulfills these criteria were proposed. These solutions included a combination of technological and regulatory actions. Further, this section briefly touched upon socioeconomic costs of electricity supply interruptions. In this chapter, the main conclusions are provided, building on the findings from the previous chapters.

Storage Solutions and Their Value

Energy storage has increasingly come into focus as a key transformational technology in the energy system. This is driven by several factors, including: (1) the increased electrification of the energy system and the associated changes in demand patterns, driven by new loads such as electric vehicles and heat pumps; (2) the decarbonization of the power system and the associated increases in the penetration of variable renewable electricity production, and related security of supply concerns. In this chapter we explore the evolving role of storage in the EU energy system—both at present and in the future. This includes proposed changes in current legislative frameworks to support the diffusion of storage technologies—a key enabler in the EU’s transition to a reliable, flexible, and affordable energy system.

Chapter 20 – Introduction

Current trends and policies are progressing in the direction of an increasing share of electricity from renewable energy sources in the EU electricity system, in particular from variable sources such as wind and photovoltaics. In parallel to this, there is increasing use of electric appliances in households, varying significantly throughout the day. Together this results in potentially large and sometimes fast variation of both electricity production and consumption. For a secure energy system, it is critical to maintain continuous service in the face of rapid and large swings in supply or demand. This introductory chapter presents the topics that will be discussed in this section, namely: the need for flexibility and potential solutions; the need for reliability and measuring its cost; and the role of storage in this context.

Need for Reliability and Measuring Its Cost

Abstract At present, power supply in the EU is characterized by a relatively high reliability. It should, however, not be taken for granted given the increasing shares of variable RES. Choosing the socioeconomically optimal level of reliability to aim for requires a thorough understanding of the socioeconomic costs of electricity supply interruptions. This chapter provides guidance on how to measure the consequences of supply interruptions and thus determine the value of electricity supply security.