This report shares the findings from a portfolio-level analysis of ARENA’s demand-side projects and the valuable lessons that inform demand flexibility.
Report extract
ARENA has identified demand flexibility as a strategic focus area and defines it as the capability to vary customer energy demand in response to variable generation, network or market signals. Increasing demand flexibility can support the integration of renewable energy, reduce consumer bills and enhance system security through the energy transition.
ARENA has previously committed $180 million to 55 projects, either to demonstrate demand flexibility enabling technologies or approaches, or broader energy productivity projects that include demand flexibility.
This report provides the findings of these previous ARENA funded projects that contribute to five key knowledge gaps in the Demand Flexibility portfolio:
1. What are the barriers to accessing value-streams for demand flexibility and value-stacking?
2. How are flexible demand technologies being used and what are the priorities for innovation?
3. How can reforms to regulatory frameworks, metering and baseline methodologies support efficient levels of flexible demand?
4. What are the key ‘pain points’ in the customer journey?
5. What are the barriers to scaling flexible demand and the priority actions?
