Future-proofing the energy system with residential flexibility

Project background: recognizing behind-the-meter flexibility

Flexibility from private homes will change the power system as we know it. As part of a new pilot project, a TenneT task force consisting of Capgemini Invent, decarbon1ze GmbH, ESFORIN SE, Green Planet Energy eG and enspired is analyzing the value of behind-the-meter (BTM) flexibility. As energy technologies such as photovoltaic installations, heat pumps, battery storage and electric vehicles continue to gain mainstream momentum, more and more households are able to flexibly produce electricity, store it and use it. The pilot project investigates the tremendous potential this evolution harbors for creating a more efficient and sustainable energy supply system. A market- and grid-serving operation of flexibility improves profitability for all parties involved. For energy market participants, access to comprehensive consumption data is crucial, and established processes can be employed to enhance it. This ensures that regulatory parameters are adhered to when exploiting behind-the-meter flexibility. 

Project goal: leveraging small flexibilities to great effect

The core objective of the pilot is to promote the provision of small-scale flexibilities, and TenneT is consulting with different stakeholders, among them balancing group managers, to achieve it. The task force has an initiative dedicated to evaluating the suitability of residential flexibility for various areas of large-scale application, including marketization, system sustainability, grid stabilization and security of supply. 

Project scope: balancing various asset classes in the private sector

The pilot focuses on the analytical and developmental aspects shaping the solutions for the individualized metering and management of small-scale flexibilities. Since these are located on the consumer side of the utility meter, market roles and processes have to be handled accordingly. The innovative character here lies in balancing different asset classes like mobility and heating in the private sector. The project follows grid access regulations for e-mobility as determined by the Federal Network Agency (FNA) to offer transparent suppliers new options for the balancing of flexibility behind the meter. To ensure compliance, several technical requirements must be met:

• authenticity and integrity of metering data
• adequate measuring technology
• intelligent measuring systems (iMSys) for the interconnection between measuring point operators and distribution system operators (DSO) in the corresponding network area

Project status: laying the groundwork for a BTM flexibility strategy

In the first stage (end of 2023), the basic framework for the successful deployment of small-scale flexibility within the balancing group was established:

• formal address of the DSO within the TenneT control zone and presentation of the project
• exchange with stakeholders to define the extent to which network access can be granted to non-public charging infrastructures based on current regulations (verdict expected in early 2024)
• appointment of a supplier from the balancing group task force
• selection of pilot households equipped with the necessary technology
• organization of iMSys setup in pilot households through a competitive or principal measuring point operator 

Project development: deploying small-scale flexibilities in phases

The current phase includes the physical integration of iMSys into the pilot homes as well as the preparation of the small-scale flexibility metering concept and the delivery by suppliers. In parallel, all channels of communication are being established via virtual network operators. The project plan earmarks the first quarter of 2024 for the completion of this phase. 

“It is great to see how TenneT supports efforts to unleash flexibility wherever possible. This project allows us to make small-scale flex from households tradeable. As a team, we are developing promising solutions for behind-the-meter applicability. That is the future of energy trading!”

regulations expert Thomas König