Towards a flexibility analytics and optimization framework for demand side aggregators

The electricity networks in Europe are facing new challenges due to changing geopolitical conditions at the EC level (as highlighted by the recently implemented REPowerEU regulation) as well as the widespread use of renewable energy sources (RES). To address these challenges, it is necessary to develop solutions that optimize local energy systems, allowing for the integration of distributed generation and demand, as well as coordinating local flexibility resources. Such solutions should combine distributed generation, demand, storage, electric vehicles, and interconnections with local energy networks, and incorporate them into holistic optimization strategies to ensure operational and economic efficiency. Towards this direction, in this paper, we present the methodology and the ICT framework for the optimal utilization of flexibility to address the emerging need for coordinated optimization of different types of controllable assets and DERs in the electricity network. In addition, the results from the early demonstration of the proposed framework in a large-scale pilot site are presented.