Recap: NEFI Technology Talk/Workshop "Industrial Flexibility and Provision of Redispatch"

On February 26^th, 2025, as part of the IEWT, the NEFI Technology Talk/Workshop on the topic Industrial Flexibility and Provision of Redispatch took place. The transformation of industry towards climate neutrality requires technological innovations that enable the integration of renewable energy sources while ensuring grid stability. A key factor in this transformation is the flexibilisation of industrial processes to make power supply more efficient and resilient. The workshop provided a platform for exchange between industry, research, and grid operators, shedding light on how industrial enterprises can actively contribute to the provision of redispatch measures. Technological and systemic solutions were presented, demonstrating how automation solutions can provide a sustainable alternative to fossil-fuel power plants.

Insights from the Industry4Redispatch (I4RD) Research Project

One of the highlights of the workshop was the presentation of the latest findings from the NEFI research project Industry4Redispatch (I4RD). The project explores how industrial processes can be automated to control power flows within the grid and prevent overloads. While these tasks have traditionally been handled manually using conventional power plants, integrating industrial flexibility opens up new, future-proof possibilities.

Three expert presentations provided fascinating insights into the project results, which were then further explored in interactive workshop groups. The key topics of the presentations included:

• Requirements for Redispatch in Distributed Flexibility
• A Guideline for the Flexibilisation of Industrial Processes
• Methods and Results for Optimising TSO-DSO Interaction

An interactive Mentimeter tool allowed participants to actively contribute their assessments and ideas to the discussion.

Key Takeaways from the Workshop Groups

Industrial Processes – Opportunities and Challenges

• Data-driven models are essential, particularly for small and medium-sized enterprises, to make flexibility efficiently accessible.
• Automating the redispatch activation process is seen as a key factor for the successful integration of industrial flexibility.
• There is a need for awareness-raising: Many companies require practical information materials to better understand the complexity of the topic.
• Internal drivers within companies play a crucial role in implementation. At the same time, the social component poses a challenge, as changes often face resistance.
• The attractiveness of providing redispatch services compared to other markets was discussed.

TSO-DSO Interaction – Coordination Across Grid Levels

• The group discussed challenges in grid security calculations and the planned demonstration phase.
• A key issue was data integration and the potential role of DSOs as gatekeepers for various market bids.
• Variable grid tariffs were also considered as a potential solution to steer loads in a targeted manner and relieve the grid.

Redispatch Process – Potential for Optimisation

• Participants delved deeper into the previously presented project findings and discussed the practical implementation of an adapted redispatch process.
• Open questions were clarified directly.

Mentimeter Survey – Participants' Opinions and Knowledge Levels

The interactive survey provided valuable insights into the composition and expertise of the 30 participants. The majority came from research, followed by representatives from grid operations, energy suppliers, and industry. Regarding redispatch, most participants rated their knowledge as sufficient, while many felt less familiar with TSO-DSO interaction. Knowledge on industrial flexibility was more evenly distributed among participants. A notable result was the importance attributed to the adoption of the ELWG (Electricity Market Law). 15 participants considered it very important, and another nine rated it as important for their company.

Future Questions & Research Needs

• Scalability of industrial flexibility for smaller units
• Robustness of automation and optimisation algorithms
• Further development of TSO-DSO interaction for the active use of industrial flexibility
• Transparency in the selection of flexibility bids

Conclusion & Outlook

The workshop provided a valuable opportunity to discuss key challenges and solutions for increasing industrial flexibility and integrating it into the redispatch process. It became particularly clear that automation, transparent regulatory frameworks, and targeted incentives are crucial for the successful implementation of industrial flexibility.

We would like to thank all speakers and participants for their valuable contributions and look forward to further exchanges on implementing innovative solutions in the industrial energy transition!

More information on the project I4RD can be found here, and the workshop posters (in German) are available here.