Energy flexibility markets create opportunities for electricity users and flexible assets to adjust their consumption or generation when the energy system needs it.
Electric vehicles (EVs), with their ability to shift charging times, can become part of this flexibility.
How do energy flexibility markets work?
Energy flexibility markets allow organisations or connected devices to offer changes in electricity consumption or supply.
For example:
- A network or system operator identifies a need for flexibility.
- An eligible flexibility provider makes available its controllable energy resources.
- The provider adjusts consumption or generation when instructed.
- The response is measured and reported according to the service requirements.
The specific process, technical requirements and payment arrangements depend on the market or service.
What role can EVs play?
EVs can provide flexibility because their charging demand is often adjustable.
Smart charging systems can coordinate connected vehicles to:
- Reduce charging during periods of high demand.
- Shift charging to more suitable periods.
- Respond to network or energy-market signals.
- Increase charging when conditions support it.
With compatible bidirectional vehicles and chargers, V2G can also allow stored electricity to be exported.
What are the different flexibility opportunities in the UK?
The UK energy system includes several routes for flexibility participation, including:
- Distribution network flexibility: Local distribution network operators procure flexibility to help manage constraints on their networks.
- NESO services: The National Energy System Operator uses balancing and flexibility services to help manage the wider electricity system.
- Wholesale energy markets: Electricity can be traded in response to market conditions, subject to participation and settlement requirements.
These markets have different requirements and should not be treated as interchangeable.
How does Electric Miles participate in energy flexibility?
Electric Miles’ SmartFlex platform coordinates eligible EV charging for flexibility opportunities across all six UK DNOs, NESO services and wholesale-market activity.
Electric Miles reports more than 16,000 SmartFlex events dispatched and 11,000+ flexibility responses delivered as separate performance measures.
The company has also announced its participation as a registered provider for NESO’s Demand Flexibility Service (DFS).
SmartFlex brings EV charging into the wider flexibility ecosystem by coordinating eligible charging activity in response to relevant signals.
Explore Electric Miles SmartFlex.
Frequently asked questions
Who operates energy flexibility markets in the UK?
Different organisations operate different services. These include NESO and distribution network operators, alongside wholesale-market participants.
Can EV charging participate in flexibility markets?
Yes. Eligible EV charging can be adjusted to provide flexibility, depending on the service, technical requirements and control arrangements.
Do flexibility markets always involve exporting electricity?
No. Many flexibility opportunities involve changing electricity consumption. Exporting stored energy is possible through V2G where compatible equipment is available.