How Demand-side Flexibility Can Strengthen the Competitiveness of The Industry in Europe

Demand-side flexibility (DSF) is a central lever for making the energy transition and the decarbonization of the industry a success. It allows consumers to flexibly adapt their electricity demand to supply and price signals. This ensures grid stability, noticeable cost savings, and a better integration of renewable energies. Studies show that DSF in the European Union can realize significant CO₂ savings as well as financial benefits of more than 300 billion euros per year by 2030.

The industry, which accounts for around 35 percent of electricity consumption in the EU, benefits particularly from this targeted demand-side management. Practical examples from the paper, cement, glass, and aluminum industries demonstrate additional revenues and CO₂ reductions, although economic viability varies depending on the sector. However, broad implementation of DSF requires regulatory reforms, investment incentives, and technical prerequisites such as access to consumption data and digital interfaces. Companies must make their production planning more flexible and build up internal expertise. DSF alone is not enough; complementary technologies like large-scale battery storage and EVs are essential. The targeted promotion of DSF and better framework conditions secure Europe's path to an affordable energy system.

Publishers: Solar Promotion GmbH

Download

When you download a publication, we will process the data you enter for the purpose of creating and performing a contract. By downloading, you agree to your email address being transferred to the institutions listed under "Publishers". You may object to the use of your email address for marketing purposes at any time without incurring any costs other than the transmission costs according to the basic rates. You may withdraw your consent by, for example, clicking on the “unsubscribe” link at the end of an email advertisement. Our website is only aimed at commercial enterprises (traders, business people, freelancers). (Privacy policy).

Agreed, start download

Further Content
Thaddäus Kreisig
Stack ’Em Up: Germany’s Big Battery Inflection Point – with Thaddäus Kreisig

The smarter E Podcast Episode 265 | Language: English

September 16, 2026

Discover how Germany's solar surge is driving a gigawatt-scale battery boom, the revenue models making projects viable, and the hurdles ahead.

EM-Power Europe Conference 2023
Democratizing Solar DG - New Business Models - Local Energy Communities (LEC)

Wednesday, June 14, 2023, 09:00 am - 10:30 am

The smarter E Europe Conference 2023 | Conference Program

free account

Our European energy system is undergoing a major transformation, moving towards decentralization with increased penetration of distributed energy resources (DERs) connected to the grid, such as PV solar, battery storage, and EVs. While DERs provide clear benefits such as limiting costs, reducing CO2 emissions, and helping to empower consumers, there are still challenges to overcome to develop DERs to their full potential. This session will focus on best practices and innovative projects, both from a grid and user perspective (e.g. energy communities) and we will discuss how the regulatory framework can be improved to facilitate the penetration of DERs and active participation from consumers.

Thomas Raffeiner and Petrouschka Werther
What EV Acceleration Means for the Grid

The smarter E Podcast Episode 260 | Language: English

July 9, 2026

Cars as batteries on wheels: Thomas Raffeiner and Petrouschka Werther discuss how V2G and smart charging turn EVs into critical grid assets.

EM-Power Europe Conference 2023
Demand-side Flexibility: Quantification of the Benefits in the EU

Wednesday, June 14, 2023, 09:00 am - 10:30 am

The smarter E Europe Conference 2023 | Conference Program

free account

Our European energy system is undergoing a major transformation, moving towards decentralization with increased penetration of distributed energy resources (DERs) connected to the grid, such as PV solar, battery storage, and EVs. While DERs provide clear benefits such as limiting costs, reducing CO2 emissions, and helping to empower consumers, there are still challenges to overcome to develop DERs to their full potential. This session will focus on best practices and innovative projects, both from a grid and user perspective (e.g. energy communities) and we will discuss how the regulatory framework can be improved to facilitate the penetration of DERs and active participation from consumers.

EM-Power Europe Conference 2023
Empowering Industry in the Energy Transition With Flexibility

Wednesday, June 14, 2023, 09:00 am - 10:30 am

The smarter E Europe Conference 2023 | Conference Program

free account

Our European energy system is undergoing a major transformation, moving towards decentralization with increased penetration of distributed energy resources (DERs) connected to the grid, such as PV solar, battery storage, and EVs. While DERs provide clear benefits such as limiting costs, reducing CO2 emissions, and helping to empower consumers, there are still challenges to overcome to develop DERs to their full potential. This session will focus on best practices and innovative projects, both from a grid and user perspective (e.g. energy communities) and we will discuss how the regulatory framework can be improved to facilitate the penetration of DERs and active participation from consumers.

You are using an outdated browser

The website cannot be viewed in this browser. Please open the website in an up-to-date browser such as Edge, Chrome, Firefox, or Safari.