Integrating demand flexibility with distributed generation – renewable energy sources (DG-RES) at the residential household and commercial customer level in electricity grids

Abstract

Commercial and operational use of residential and commercial user demand-side flexibility in energy grids will play an important but, as yet, not disclosed role in realising the required increase in the penetration of DG-RES. An increased embedding potential is needed to satisfy ambitious energy efficiency and carbon dioxide emission targets. Introduction of smart technologies is seen as a facilitator but also encounters technological, operational, market and regulatory challenges. From assessing a number of technologies and field test projects, task 17 of the IEA/DSM program has explored the nature of this demand-side flexibility and the stakeholder context. It was found that a portfolio of services and control strategies for coordinating flexibility in an efficient, safe, reliable and scalable manner can be found. The boundary conditions, valuation and practical implementation are also discussed.