District heating as a flexibility service: Challenges in sector coupling for increased solar and wind power production in Sweden
Artikel i vetenskaplig tidskrift, 2023

With expanding solar and wind power production, the topic of flexibility services attracts increased attention in the Swedish energy system. In this context, the potentials in using thermal storage capacities in district heating (DH) systems have been brought forward, primarily by academic scholars. Using a ‘grounded’ approach, this study investigates if professionals assigned to Swedish DH companies and electricity distribution system operators utilise, or plan to utilise, DH systems as flexibility services for the electricity grid. Original data was collected through semi-structured interviews, held with fourteen individuals affiliated to different actors in the Swedish energy system. These individuals were identified as being experts, or practically engaged, in using DH utilities as flexibility services for the electricity grid. The findings show that although technologies for coupling between DH systems and the electricity grid are already in place, initiatives for using DH systems as flexibility services for the electricity system are rare in Sweden. Coupling challenges stem from ownership and operation legislation frameworks, marginal incentives and a widespread focus on firm benefits rather than energy systems benefits. Identified initiatives for using DH systems for flexibility services are primarily run on a local scale, designed and propelled by small groups of engaged individuals.

District heating

Qualitative analysis

Integration

Sector coupling

Flexibility

Författare

Niklas Fernqvist

Chalmers, Teknikens ekonomi och organisation, Entrepreneurship and Strategy

RISE Research Institutes of Sweden

Sarah Broberg

RISE Research Institutes of Sweden

Johan Torén

RISE Research Institutes of Sweden

Inger-Lise Svensson

RISE Research Institutes of Sweden

Energy Policy

0301-4215 (ISSN)

Vol. 172 113332

Ämneskategorier

Annan naturresursteknik

Teknikhistoria

Energisystem

DOI

10.1016/j.enpol.2022.113332

Mer information

Senast uppdaterat

2022-11-23