Flexible Activation for Grid Purposes: Experiences From A Norwegian Pilot

Abstract

The paper presents results and experiences from Strømflex, a large-scale demonstration project, which was deployed at Norwegian DSO - Lede for evaluating the potential for activation of flexibility in the distribution network. The objective is to demonstrate how flexibility resources at different types of customers can be realised for the benefit of the DSO. The study focuses on the verification of the actually activated explicit flexibility volumes, practical estimation of baseline levels for the involved customer groups as well as considering consequences of the activations as rebound effect. The study defines the levels of the uncovered realistic flexibility potential, which varies across different customer groups. Finally, the study acknowledges well-functioning and reliability of the installed control technologies and concludes that the explicit activation of flexibility largely worked as intended in the pilot and has therefore a significant up-scaling potential.