Intermittent Renewables and Demand-Side Flexibility
This paper focuses on the need to develop Demand-Side Flexibility (DSF) to support the penetration of wind and solar power. This need reflects the intermittency of these renewable energy sources and the fact that they displace firm and flexible power sources in the merit order. Fortunately, the development of digitalized distributed energy resources between consumers’ meters creates the potential for DSF to provide some of the needed flexibility, especially nearby the renewable energy resources and on short timescales. Drawing on UK experience, the paper will explore the needs and potential for DSF, as well as the barriers and how to overcome them. It will draw on experience from a study being carried out for the UK Government whose aim is to draw on UK experience to provide guidance for policy in China.
