Energy flexibility: a key lever for optimizing production
As energy flexibility is becoming a central issue for the integration of renewable energies, players in the sector must adapt to a constantly evolving market. To better understand the challenges and opportunities associated with this transformation, we asked Edouard JAECK, flexibility manager at Bohr Energie. In this interview, he explains the key role of Flexibility, the solutions developed by Bohr Energie and the way in which the company supports producers in optimizing their installations.
Understanding Energy Flexibility
Can you define what energy flexibility is and explain its importance in the current context of the energy market? La Energy flexibility Refers to all the mechanisms that make it possible to adjust supply and demand on the electrical network in real time. It is based in particular on the ability to modulate the production of power plants in order to ensure a constant balance of the network.
Its importance is now increasing due to the massive development of so-called fatal renewable energies, whose production is intermittent and difficult to predict. It is becoming imperative to put in place solutions to mitigate this variability in order to guarantee the stability and reliability of the electrical system.
Bohr Energie solutions for flexibility
What specific services does Bohr Energie offer to help producers manage the flexibility of their production units? As an aggregator of renewable energy production plants, Bohr Energie allows producers to participate in the adjustment mechanism of RTE, thus optimizing the flexibility of their installations. We take care of the entire process, from registration to piloting in real time, in order to respond effectively to network calls.
In addition, we are developing an offer for the aggregation of Storing, an intrinsically flexible solution. This aims to maximize the value of storage units by arbitrating energy: storing during periods of high production and low consumption, then reinjecting electricity into the network at the most appropriate times. This approach makes it possible to optimize revenues while strengthening the stability of the electrical system.
How does Bohr Energie's offer differ from those of other aggregators? Bohr Energie is differentiated by an integrated approach, Combining Energy Aggregation and Flexibility Management on the Same Tool. Unlike traditional solutions where producers have to ask for an aggregator to market their electricity and another for flexibility, we offer a unique and centralized offer.
We also develop solutions adapted to different sizes of installations, ranging from small decentralized units to large-scale infrastructures. Thanks to our advanced technology and our cross-market approach, we optimize asset valuation by integrating several levers: reserve mechanisms, market arbitration and participation in adjustment mechanisms.
Tools and technologies implemented
What digital tools does Bohr Energie provide producers with for the real-time monitoring and management of their production units? We have developed a web application allowing producers to Monitor Their Production in Real Time As well as the income generated (energy sales, compensation bonuses, etc.). This platform also integrates the detailed monitoring of participations into adjustment mechanisms: typology of interventions, associated revenues, comparison with traditional marketing and the history of management actions.
Behind this interface, we have set up a secure infrastructure, directly connected to the production plants. This allows real-time data collection and automated decision-making to optimize participation in flexible markets. Our systems communicate directly with RTE to ensure a rapid and effective adjustment of production capacities.
How do these tools simplify billing and improve decision-making for producers? Our approach is based on advanced automation aimed at freeing producers from the operational constraints associated with the valorization of their power plant. Our algorithms are responsible for forecasting production and evaluating in real time the economic benefits of participating in reserve mechanisms.
In this way, the basic profitability associated with the sale of energy is secured, while the additional opportunities arising from flexibility are exploited optimally. Invoicing is fully automated, offering total transparency on the origin of income and its distribution.
Benefits and challenges of flexible management
What are the main benefits for a producer integrating Bohr Energie's flexibility offer into its operating model? One of the major advantages lies in mitigating the impact of negative prices, a phenomenon that is becoming more and more frequent. When a producer is forced to stop installing because of these prices, he receives partial compensation, but suffers a loss of income compared to continued operation.
Thanks to flexibility, it is possible to optimize these periods by restarting the power plant at strategic times, thus making it possible to generate additional income. In addition, this approach favors better forecasting of regulatory changes, which tends towards the generalization of flexibility mechanisms.
How can producers optimize their production in the face of periods of negative prices? A producer who does not benefit from flexibility is forced to interrupt production during episodes of negative prices, receiving compensation limited to the annual hourly volume. This compensation, especially for solar energy, only partially covers the loss of earnings.
By integrating flexibility, it becomes possible to strategically restart the installation and recover some of the income otherwise lost, thus maximizing the overall profitability of the operation.
What are the main challenges and advantages of remotely controlling renewable installations to better respond to market fluctuations? The main challenge is the need for a real-time connection, combined with strict cybersecurity requirements. It is imperative to guarantee secure access to production data while ensuring the integrity of control orders (stopping, restarting, power modulation).
Bohr Energie connects on private networks dedicated to each power plant, guaranteeing optimal protection against cyberattacks. Our infrastructures comply with the most demanding cybersecurity standards (ISO 27001 certification). In addition, our system is based on advanced automation, while maintaining human control under continuous surveillance to ensure maximum reactivity.
Future perspectives
How do you see the evolution of energy flexibility in the coming years, and what role does Bohr Energie intend to play in this transformation? Energy flexibility is tending to become an essential component of the electricity market. Regulatory signals are converging towards an increasing obligation to participate in adjustment mechanisms, as is already the case in several European countries, such as Spain.
In France, the Senate recently examined the DDADUE bill, reintroducing in article 21 an obligation to participate in the adjustment mechanism for renewable energy producers whose installations exceed 10 MW.
In this context, Bohr Energie aims to be a key player by offering comprehensive and integrated production management and flexibility. Our mission is to support producers in this transition, by offering them innovative solutions to simplify their participation in new regulatory frameworks and maximize the valorization of their energy assets.