Opportunities for energy flexibility through network integration

The success of the energy transition hinges not only on the integration of renewables into existing electricity systems, but greater integration with other networks to achieve the flexibility required.

Balancing the variable nature of renewable energy sources is a well-documented challenge, and the key to addressing it lies in the realm of flexibility.

Enlit visited European Sustainable Energy Week in Brussels and spoke to Michele De Nigris, the Director of Sustainable Development & Energy Sources at RSE, about the intricate web of networks required for a successful transition and the opportunities for flexibility presented by integrating various energy vectors.

Flexibility can be derived from within the electricity network itself, involving adjustments to both generation and load, and the adoption of storage systems. However, as the share of renewables and the associated variability rises, a broader perspective comes into play—the integration of different energy systems.

An integrated energy system

De Nigris underscored the concept of an integrated energy system, wherein flexibility isn't confined to the electricity network alone.

“It means that the flexibility needed for the electricity system may be found, also connecting the electricity networks with other types of networks,” he explained.

“For example, the gas network, the heating network, the cooling network, the water network, of course, through very wide level of digitalisation, using the different networks all together …towards an integrated energy system where the needs of flexibility can be found using the different energy vectors.”

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De Nigris acknowledged the complexity of the process required. Achieving an integrated energy system requires diverse technologies, skills, and applications, necessitating ongoing research, both in fundamental and applied domains.

He highlighted European initiatives, such as the European Technology Innovation Platform, Smart Networks for Energy Transition (ETIP SNET), as forums where stakeholders collaborate to develop visions, roadmaps, and implementation plans, steering research toward specific goals.

Watch the full interview for the discuss on the development of interconnected and advanced technologies within a highly digitalised system and the skills needed in Europe to make it a reality.