Modelling the GB flexibility market

This study set out to assess the value and whole-system impact of demand-side flexibility in a net zero carbon energy scenario for the UK.

An accompanying report (“The Value of Flexibility”) examines the overall value of such flexibility. It explores the degree to which flexibility in general can reduce the need for investment in traditional solutions such as thermal peaking plant and network reinforcement.

During the study, it became clear that different types of flexibility can provide different types of value yet may compete for deployment. This report explores this competition by taking two specific flexibility vectors – centralised, utility-scale storage versus distributed storage as exemplified by V2G-enabled electric vehicles – and examining the possible path dependencies that competition between them may create for a successful Energy Transition.