The final way to help integrate renewable generation into the electricity system is through flexibility on the side of electricity demand. Rather than trying to reshape the time series of generation, we try to reshape the time series of demand. We look at sector coupling as the key concept for this, as well as the role of the “smart grid”.

Key takeaways:

• As things like transport and heating are electrified, electricity demand goes up
• This coupling of so-far separate energy sectors with the electricity system makes it possible to increase the flexibility of electricity demand – but to what extent, is still uncertain
• The “smart grid” where electricity producers and consumers communicate with each other much more than traditionally makes these different kinds of demand flexibility possible