Enhancing Energy Flexibility through the Integration of Variable Renewable Energy in the Process Industry

Abstract Energy flexibility plays a crucial role in the current energy transition, as it can contribute to a stabilization of the grid. The integration of electricity from renewable energy sources leads to large fluctuations in power supply, compromising the reliability of supply and the grid stability. Employing surplus of variable renewable energy (VRE) to cover the industrial demand can on one hand reduce the need for grid upgrade on a long term. On the other hand, integrating VRE can contribute to fulfill decarbonisation targets in the industrial sector. As a consequence, the share of renewable energy in the total energy consumption can be increased. This paper aims at assessing the role of VRE integration in the process industry as a mean to leverage energy flexibility. The assessment consists of a scenario-based evaluation, complemented by a simulation model, able to quantify the reduction of specific CO2 emissions. The developed approach is demonstrated within a case study in the paper industry.