With electric cars and heat pumps deployed on a massive scale across Europe, many fear blackouts as a result of the additional stress they cause for local power distribution networks.
Mitigating this risk requires a more flexible electricity system and closer coordination between grid operators to unlock flexibility at the European level, energy experts say.
In this special report, EURACTIV looks into local grid flexibility solutions and how they could be further promoted across Europe.
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EU eyes ‘billions’ worth in flexibility from local electricity grids
Est. 6minAs Europe shuts down its remaining coal power plants and turns away from volatile gas for electricity generation, it is also losing key flexible power supplies that can be switched on at the last minute to keep the lights on during peak hours.
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Grid operators call for greater transparency on household electricity use
Est. 5minPower network operators are calling for greater transparency regarding electric cars and heat pumps connected to the grid in order to reinforce the EU’s network where necessary and tap into the potential of energy savings from households.
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The next energy crisis will be local. How do we prevent it?
Est. 6minAs Europe rises through one energy crisis, another looms in the form of local grids unable to accommodate peak demand vs supply. This can, however, be avoided if Europe can optimise the use of energy resources at a local level.