Smart Grid
eFlex is a DONG Energy initiative that forms part of our targeted plan to develop a more flexible and intelligent power grid - or Smart Grid - with scope for integrating the many electricity-consuming units of tomorrow.
In recent years, DONG Energy has been installing a large number of wind turbines. At the same time, we are working to develop solutions in which, for example, heat pumps and electric cars that can run on wind turbine power are given a more important role in society.
More wind energy enable us to cut the consumption of coal, oil and natural gas, which emit CO2. At the same time, electricity-based solutions can enable us to reduce Denmark’s overall energy consumption because electricity-based solutions are often more efficient.
Increased pressure on the power grid
One of the great challenges facing a society with more electricity-consuming units is that they put increased pressure on the power grid, particular during peak-load periods in the morning and evening.
Pressure on the power grid is also growing due to the ever-growing numbers of solar cells installed in private homes and businesses. All in all, this trend necessitates extensive investment in expanding the power grid with new copper wiring.
This investment may, however, be reduced significantly by implementing a concept in which the charging of electric cars, the operation of heat pumps and a large proportion of other types of electricity consumption are managed in relation to 24-hour fluctuating electricity prices and the grid load.
Willingness to be flexible
As consumers, we cannot cook dinner or watch television during the night, but there are many other activities that can be scheduled for night-time – such as clothes washing and charging of mobile telephones, computers and electric cars.
One of the aims of eFlex is precisely to map consumers’ possibilities to be flexible in their electricity consumption.
Test pilots
eFlex is being rolled out during 2010-2012 in a demonstration project involving 155 families as test pilots. They have had a remotely readable electricity meter and other advanced technology installed in their homes.
The technology includes newly developed IT equipment which, via an online customer portal, enables families to manage and adjust their electricity consumption.
Incentives for flexibility
At DONG Energy, we are also interested in identifying what incentives there may be to achieve and bolster the desired consumer flexibility.
The experience and proposals gathered from the eFlex project will then be channelled into our further work on developing a sustainable concept for flexible electricity consumption in Danish households.