Stochastic Programming Model for the Provision of Flexibility by Energy Communities

This research work presents the stochastic optimization of an Energy Community that provides upward and downward reserves to the grid operator. The resources available are a community storage system, a community photovoltaic plant, flexible loads, and interruptible loads of a higher education institution. Two optimization programs are analyzed, considering the sequence of energy and reserve markets in Spain. In the first stage, there is uncertainty in energy prices, PV generation, and demand. In the second stage, energy prices are known, and stochastic optimization is performed considering uncertainty in reserve prices, demand load, and PV generation. A two-stage stochastic optimization is used in both stages. The models are developed in the mathematical optimization software GAMS. A comparison is made on the advantages of stochastic resource scheduling. The results show that the community receives greater benefits by participating in the reserve market.