Bottom-Up Flexibility in Multi-Energy Systems: Real-World Experiences From Europe

Electricity Systems in europe are experiencing major changes due to targets for renewable energy integration, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and energy efficiency. Different studies show that there is a growing need for more flexibility and active stakeholder involvement at all levels (from small consumers to pan-European networks) to ensure the efficient and reliable operation of the electricity system, particularly to deal with growing volumes of renewable energy sources, from transmission-level wind and solar farms to household-level photovoltaic generation. Other key evolutions that aim to decarbonize the energy sector beyond electricity, such as those based on the electrification of energy end uses (e.g., the development of electric vehicles and the electrification of heating), are also expected to have a substantial impact.