Industrial flexibility is a key enabler in the transition to sustainable energy systems. Recognizing its importance, a recent CETPartnership Knowledge Sharing Workshop explored this topic, uncovering valuable insights and challenges related to its implementation and modeling.
Watch the recording of the event below.
Presentations are available here.
Key Takeaways from the Workshop:
- Realistic Modeling: Capturing industrial flexibility is complex due to the diversity of industrial processes and the uncertainty surrounding future technology costs. Models need to adapt to account for these complexities effectively.
- Dynamic Value: The value of flexibility evolves alongside energy systems. Quantifying this dynamic value accurately remains a significant challenge.
- Thermal Storage Optimization: Industries are likely to size their thermal storage systems in response to fluctuating energy prices, creating a moving target for optimization efforts.
- Hybrid Solutions: Transitional solutions, such as combining power-to-heat systems, thermal storage, and existing gas infrastructures, can serve as stepping stones toward fully flexible energy systems.
- Short- vs. Long-Term Flexibility: While short-term flexibility faces competition from other providers, long-term flexibility will likely gain importance, especially for addressing scenarios such as prolonged energy shortages.
Flexibility: A Cornerstone for Energy Transition
The workshop underscored that flexibility is not only essential for energy systems but also for the way we approach and model the transition itself. Achieving realistic and impactful solutions requires adaptive thinking and innovative tools.
CLIC is involved in the coordination of CETPartnership Transition Initiative 6 (Integrated Industrial Energy systems).
