Question 1

What is energy flexibility?

Accepted Answer

Energy flexibility (also called “Energy shedding”) is the ability of an energy system to quickly adapt to variations in the electricity network. On the consumer side, it is the ability to temporarily reduce electricity consumption compared to initially planned consumption. This reduction is obtained thanks to the interruption of electrical devices (industrial processes, heating, etc.) following a request from a supplier or an erasure operator. Part of the electricity not consumed during erasure will then be consumed after erasure (we speak of a carry-over effect), in order to ensure an equivalent level of comfort for the consumer.
The main objective being to relieve the electricity network, this also helps to reduce your energy consumption to a greater or lesser extent, depending on the thermal inertia of your home. This leads to making savings on the electricity bill, in addition to receiving compensation (to be confirmed). At the same time, this promotes a more responsible use of energy resources, beneficial for the environment.

Question 2

Why is energy flexibility important?

Accepted Answer

In the event of a network imbalance, unless you reduce demand (by shedding), the French electricity transmission network (RTE) has only one other solution, increase production. To do this, it can request emergency production in France, or import electricity from neighboring countries. Not only is this solution expensive, but also oftenvery polluting, because the electricity produced during peak periods is generally provided bygas or coal power plants. or fuel oil. Energy flexibility therefore makes it possible to respond in a sustainable and responsible manner to this problem of peak consumption. It can efficiently integrate variable renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind, and manage fluctuations in electricity demand, which contributes to grid stability and reduced gas emissions. greenhouse effect.

Question 3

How is energy flexibility implemented?

Accepted Answer

Energy flexibility can be implemented in different ways. This includes modulating power plant output, using energy storage devices such as batteries, managing demand (e.g. by incentivizing consumers to reduce their consumption during peak demand) and the integration of advanced technologies such as AI-based energy management and the Internet of Things (IoT).

Question 4

What are the advantages of energy flexibility?

Accepted Answer

Integration of renewable energies: it allows better integration of intermittent renewable energy sources.
Reduction of costs: By avoiding the start-up of expensive power plants during peak periods, the overall costs of the electricity system can be reduced.
Grid reliability: helps maintain the balance between supply and demand, which is crucial for the stability of the electricity network.
Consumer empowerment: allows consumers to play an active role in the energy system, for example by adapting their consumption in response to price signals, and potentially earning income from this participation .

Question 5

How can consumers contribute to energy flexibility?

Accepted Answer

Consumers can play an important role in energy flexibility by adjusting their energy consumption according to grid consumption peaks. This may include actions such as postponing certain energy-intensive tasks to periods of lower demand. Or by using intelligent energy management devices to optimize consumption, like our solution.