Flexibility, grids and energy system integration
Use heat pumps' flexibility
Heat pumps can be turned on when electricity demand is lower, and off at peak times. This balances out electricity demand and reduces costs for the EU’s energy system and for consumers.
To ensure this happens, consumers need to have some sort of incentive, such as electricity tariffs that change according to overall demand.
Grid operators need to be aware of the flexibility potential offered by heat pumps and take this into account in their grid planning.
It is also important that heat pumps can be switched off and on to enable grid stability and help the power system run smoothly.
What's the EU doing?
Grid Connection Code
The EU’s Grid Connection Code sets the rules for connecting users, like power generators and consumers, to the electricity grid.
These rules are meant to ensure reliable and secure grid, boost renewable energy, and support fair competition in the electricity market.
Network Code on Demand Connection
The EU’s Network Code on Demand Connection harmonises the rules over how to connect large renewable energy plants to the grid and integrate demand response into the electricity grid.
Network Code on Demand Response
The Network Code on Demand Response aims to define the roles and responsibilities of anything which helps the power grid to be more flexible – like heat pumps.
Remember, flexibility matters because it stabilises electricity use and so keeps prices down for consumers.
As we turn away from fossil fuels and towards greater electrification of the energy system, this is ever more important.
Heat pumps can provide all types of flexibility services because they are very efficient, so they do not require much energy to start with. What’s more, they can be turned on when electricity demand is lower.
When combined with thermal storage heat pumps can maximise the financial benefits of dynamic electricity tariffs, making them even more attractive for consumers and grid operators alike.
To fully unlock the potential of flexibility, EHPA advocates for greater harmonisation in communication and data exchange based on the EU’s Code of Conduct for Energy Smart Appliances (CoC ESA).
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