New report into demand-side flexibility quantifies huge scale of potential in 2030 for consumers and the EU clean energy transition

Amongst other findings, the following results were found in a scenario that unleashes the full activation of flexibility from buildings, electric vehicles, and industry. In the year 2030:

• 37.5 million tonnes would be saved in annual GHG emissions
• €11.1 - €29.1 bn would be saved annually in distribution grid investments 
• €71 bn would be saved annually by consumers directly
• 15.5 TWh (61%) would be the avoided renewable curtailment
• €2.7 bn would be saved annually in avoided peak generation capacity

In his opening remarks during the launch event, Michael Villa smartEn Executive Director stated: “We are very satisfied that, among the Emergency Market Design Interventions, a peak electricity demand reduction target was introduced to stimulate time-dependent, flexible consumption. As pointed out in the DNV study, the active role of consumers makes enormous sense both now, for this emergency situation, and in 2030, to help integrate renewable electricity and achieve our 55GHG reduction target in a cost-effective way.”

Seydou Kane, Vice President, Public Affairs, Corporate, EMEA, Eaton, reiterated: “This study shows how households and businesses on the demand side – those who have traditionally simply paid for energy - can save money, make money, and reduce pressure on the grid if they are encouraged to invest in technologies that allow them to access the benefits of flexibility.”

Daniele Andreoli, Head of Demand Response, Enel X Global Retail, stressed: “The study represents a pivotal milestone for further development of demand-side flexibility solutions, as it clearly reveals and quantifies the crucial role of flexible consumption to reach the energy transition in a sustainable and cost-effective way.”

Carmen Munoz, Head of downstream activities, EDF R&D, said: “Demand-side flexibility represents enormous opportunities for reduction of emission and crisis management. We shall be ambitious, cautious in promoting and unlocking the necessary investments only for those resources that can effectively achieve climate neutrality.”

The DNV study is a valuable source of information to support the forthcoming Fit for 55 negotiations to boost the deployment of more digital and decentralised energy resources and stimulate the full activation of demand-side flexibility to the benefit of consumers and the whole energy system.

You can access the full report here.

About SmartEn

smartEn is the European business association for digital and decentralised energy solutions. Our members include innovators in services and technology for energy and data management, finance, and research. By taking an integrated perspective on the interaction of demand and supply, our mission is to promote system efficiency, encourage innovation and diversity, empower energy consumers, and drive the decarbonisation of the energy sector. For further information about smartEn, please visit www.smarten.eu.

About Eaton 

Eaton is an intelligent power management company dedicated to improving the quality of life and protecting the environment for people everywhere. We are guided by our commitment to do business right, to operate sustainably and to help our customers manage power ─ today and well into the future. By capitalizing on the global growth trends of electrification and digitalization, we’re accelerating the planet’s transition to renewable energy, helping to solve the world’s most urgent power management challenges, and doing what’s best for our stakeholders and all of society.

Founded in 1911, Eaton has been listed on the NYSE for nearly a century. We reported revenues of $19.6 billion in 2021 and serve customers in more than 170 countries. For more information, visit www.eaton.com. Follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn.

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