Hub Sessions

Introduction of the Session 

Photovoltaic (PV) self-consumption concept has emerged as a sustainable and economically viable alternative to save electricity provided by electric utilities. This methodology has been applied to three large scale distribution networks in Spain (Murcia, Madrid and Bizkaia). Results show that there is a significant influence of geographic concentration/dispersion of PV self-consumption systems on energy losses.

After releasing the Universal Smart Energy Framework, USEF started an international cross-functional workstream on aggregator implementation models. The publication was based on our analysis of aggregator implementation models for Demand Response for Commercial and Industrial Prosumers, and has received wide acclaim. USEF’s Aggregator Workstream will present final results, highlighting the relevant differences between the Commerce & Industrial Prosumer and the Residential Prosumer. Aspects of this customer segment differ from C&I Prosumers in terms of the amount of flexibility per asset and thus in the number of Prosumers needed to reach minimum flex product sizes. Also, the type of flexibility is mainly load-shift (EV, heat pump) with low marginal costs of activation. And last but not least: the residential market is more regulated. The consequences for effective market entry for aggregators will be the topic for this HUB session.

France has had a highly centralized electrical system for decades. Following the recent law on self-consumption, how does France prepare itself to evolve towards a more decentralized system? This presentation will deal with the question of how to address the challenges due to the move from a centralized towards a more decentralized system.

The transition towards a more decarbonized energy system has led to contentious debate, not only concerning the mix of energy sources to be drawn upon in the future, but also about the configuration of the system itself, with increasing advocacy for a smaller scale, decentralized energy system. My talk will present the economic arguments in favor and against decentralization of governance of energy systems and will show how the concept of “polycentric governance system” can bring novel perspectives into this debate.

Feed-in of renewables to the existing grid is an international challenge. Some of the issues are integration of variable generation, design of storage requirements, planning existing energy generation source, and capacity. Following the optimised grid codes pertaining to the grid topology and the country of installation is also a topic of discussion. This presentation talks about the rise and integration of renewables in Germany and the lessons learned in doing so and how the same methodologies can be adopted by other countries with a brief outlook on the importance of grid codes.

Looking ahead at the next steps in the near future and recent hot topics. Lessons from the Dutch approach.

• Consumers in Driving seat / Producers in Engine
• Disruption
• Transforming the Energy Revolution
• Enabling the Low Carbon Society
• Linking Consumers directly to Producers