Why do we need flexibility?
Keeping the balance
The energy grid must always remain in balance: the amount of energy produced must equal the amount consumed. This is a challenge since our renewable energy sources are unpredictable. The goal is to maintain this balance: a grid frequency of 50Hz.
For most of us, that 50Hz might not mean much. However, if we fail to maintain this frequency, all devices and machines will break down, with all the consequences that follow. Just take a look at your toaster or coffee machine, everything around you! You’ll find 50Hz written somewhere on it. Even clocks can run faster when there’s excess energy on the grid and slower when there’s too little!
Another recognizable phenomenon is solar panels shutting down on sunny days. This is also a result of too much power on the grid, causing the frequency and voltage to rise, and the solar panels shutting down to prevent damage.
After reading this, it makes sence that eeping the grid balanced is crucial. That’s why solutions to maintain stability on our grid getting paid to help! Want to learn more about how the electricity grid works? Read here: https://www.elia.be/nl/elektriciteitsmarkt-en-systeem/systeemdiensten/het-evenwicht-behouden
Scaling up renewable energy
Along with the energy transition, electrification follows. We need to switch to electric vehicles, heat pumps, and other electrical applications for heating and/or cooling.
As a result, the demand for energy will increase exponentially, causing renewable energy sources to be scaled up as well. This scaling will make the demand and supply even more unbalanced.
Photo by Markus Spiske on Unsplash
Flexibility, in short:
Flexibility is simply the art of shifting supply and demand so that they are always equal. This can be achieved by making drastic adjustments to the consumption patterns of the end user. However, no one is eager for this because it would result in a loss of comfort.
Another solution is to store energy during times of surplus and release it when there is a shortage. Typically, we can do this using large batteries, which can store this energy.
By creating flexibility in the energy grid, we ensure that we can handle these challenges. Flexibility in the energy grid is therefore crucial for a stable, affordable, and sustainable energy supply in the future.
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