End-users aggregation: a review of key elements for future applications

Fostered by recent regulatory framework enhancements and a considerable innovation push, the formerly abstract end-user aggregation is becoming reality in an increasing number of European energy markets through the digital connection of distributed energy systems. This paper gives an overview of conceptual implementation models for energy aggregators in the European context and how they integrate into the current market structure. To highlight and explain the resulting opportunities of such, a generic energy aggregator business model canvas is elaborated and confronted with the respective business models of three different actually implemented energy aggregators. Based on these, effects on energy markets and their present participants are derived as well as key elements for future application presented.