Growing integration of renewables and changing consumption patterns
The transformation of the energy system is likely to continue, especially in terms of:
- The growing share of variable, uncertain renewable energy sources (especially solar and wind) in the generation mix,
- Changing energy consumption patterns (the growing use of electric cars in combination with energy storage; energy automation in households, etc.).
Technologies enable demand- and supply-side response
Dictated by EU environmental targets, these changes would not have been possible without the progress made in developing new technologies, particularly in renewable energy and information and communications technology for the energy industry.
New technologies enable demand- and supply-side response for:
- Generation sources,
- Transmission and distribution system operators,
- Prosumers, i.e. large and small consumers who can also produce energy.
We need demand- and supply-side response from players, markets and systems
This has already started to impact electricity markets and grids at local, national and transnational levels alike, and impacts are only going to grow stronger. To maintain grid stability and security of supply, demand- and supply-side response will be needed from players, markets and systems to encourage greater efficiency of all flexibility sources.
We need to remove the barriers and create the right regulatory environment for energy flexibility
The legal, administrative and other barriers that still prevent players in today’s markets to provide flexibility have to be removed to the largest possible extent.
Energy market regulators are striving to create a regulatory environment that allows all existing and new players in the energy market equal participation in providing flexibility in supply, transmission, distribution and consumption.
