Methodology for Flexibility in Power Grids
Glava Energy Center has conducted a pilot project to explore the potential for flexible electricity consumption and production within Värmland’s power grid. The project was funded by Energiforsk, and the result is a methodology designed to support grid operators in integrating flexibility into their grid development plans.
A Guide for Grid Operators
The methodology serves as a handbook or guide for identifying flexibility needs and locating potential resources to match these needs. It consists of four key steps:
- Identify the need for flexibility through power grid data analysis.
- Assess potential by engaging stakeholders with access to flexible resources.
- Match flexibility needs with the available potential.
- Implement flexibility based on grid conditions, utilizing solutions such as local flexibility markets and conditional agreements.
Applying this methodology within Värmland's electricity grid has revealed a total technical flexibility potential exceeding 1,000 MW, spanning industries, power producers, energy storage, and flexible household resources.
The report also presents opportunities and practical examples of how flexibility can be realized in the grid through local flexibility markets and tailored agreements.
Read the Report
The report "Methodology for Flexibility in Power Grids" was developed as part of Energiforsk’s program for sustainable technology development and digitalization in electricity grids. It was authored by David Olsson, project manager at Glava Energy Center, and senior project manager Lars Olsson, Senior IT.
Project Objectives and Goals
Limited grid capacity is an increasing challenge, restricting economic development and potentially weakening business competitiveness. The long lead times for grid expansion present a major obstacle, as both current and future energy demands require increased capacity.
Under Swedish electricity law, grid operators are now required to consider flexibility as an alternative to building new power lines in their grid development plans. However, there is no established methodology for evaluating flexibility in power grids, making planning and implementation difficult.
The project's primary goal was to develop a practical methodology to assist grid operators in incorporating flexibility into their grid development strategies.
Project Objectives:
- Determine the flexibility potential within Värmland’s power grid.
- Develop a methodology based on surveys with electricity producers and consumers.
- Present opportunities for implementing conditional grid agreements.
- Provide practical solutions for integrating flexibility into grid operations.
What Is Grid Flexibility?
Flexibility in power grids refers to the ability of the grid to adapt to fluctuations in electricity supply and demand. A flexible grid can handle variations in consumption and renewable energy production (such as solar and wind) efficiently, without compromising stability or reliability. Key flexibility solutions include:
- Smart grid technologies
- Energy storage systems
- Flexible power generation units
- Advanced control mechanisms
By integrating flexibility, grid operators can enhance efficiency, support renewable energy integration, and increase resilience to unexpected events.
How Was the Project Conducted?
The project focused on Värmland, where Glava Energy Center’s electricity and power analysis indicates that grid transmission capacity will not increase before 2030. The study included:
- Interviews with power producers and major electricity consumers to assess flexibility potential.
- Analysis of planned grid connections to determine flexibility needs.
- Testing of two analytical tools, developed by tech company Endre and RISE, Research Institutes of Sweden, for forecasting needs and mapping flexible resources.
Project Work Packages:
- WP1 – Project management and communication
- WP2 – Building stakeholder networks
- WP3 – Data collection and information gathering
- WP4 – Data analysis and forecasting
- WP5 – Digitalization opportunities for flexibility and methodology development
Project Facts
- Project period: October 1, 2023 – January 31, 2025
- Main funder: Energiforsk
- Total budget: 500,000 SEK
- Project coordinator: Glava Energy Center
- Project manager: David Olsson, +46 (0)730-35 12 37, david.olsson@glavaenergycenter.se
- Project partner: Lars Olsson, Seniorit AB
Reference Group
The project's reference group included representatives fromnEnergimarknadsinspektionen (The Swedish Energy Markets Inspectorate) Teknik i Väst and Ellevio. Their guidance and expertise have been instrumental in ensuring the project’s quality and alignment with industry needs.
Reference Group Members:
- Malin Janols – Analyst, Energimarknadsinspektionen (Ei)
- Olof Öberg – Grid Manager, Teknik i Väst AB
- Lisa Gerdin – Power System Analyst, Ellevio