A comprehensive overview of industrial demand response status in Europe

Abstract

Industrial demand response (IDR) will play a crucial role in shaping future electricity systems, as it is a key element of a just energy transition and industrial development. The aim of this work is to provide an overview of the current status of IDR in a holistic perspective. First, the main benefits and potential of IDR are reviewed, together with the motivations and challenges for the industrial sector. Most recent advances in European markets and regulations with specific focus on IDR applications are explored. Then, the different resources which are currently available to help industries participate and implement IDR programmes are reviewed. In particular: 1) the (possible) tools for defining energy-aware scheduling and planning of the manufacturing systems are analysed; 2) The role of aggregators (i.e. intermediaries between industries and power markets) for facilitating explicit IDR is examined; 3) the importance of digitalisation to provide better IDR services from the manufacturing industry is highlighted, pointing out that digital twins, cyber-physical systems, Internet of Things sensors, robots, edge computing, artificial intelligence, and big data are promising technologies; and 4) most recent related research projects are reviewed. Finally, it is analysed and discussed how each of those resources can address the different challenges that are still preventing industries to apply IDR programmes.

This work has been supported by the FLEX4FACT project, funded by the European Union under the Horizon Europe research and innovation programme, under the grant agreement number 101058657. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the authors only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them. Eduard Bullich-Massagué belongs to the Serra Húnter programme.

Postprint (published version)