Volume 61

Conceptualising energy flexibility: a multi-actor perspective in the context of the Swedish energy system Cristina Ghita, Arvid Nyman, Cajsa Bartusch

Abstract

As the Swedish energy system is experiencing capacity shortage challenges brought on by an overburdened grid in an increasingly electrified society, more solutions are needed for its optimization. One proposed solution is the increase of energy flexibility by encouraging public and private actors to enter the so-called local flexibility energy markets. This paper reports on the findings from a qualitative study in which we aimed to articulate how different industry actors conceptualise flexibility. Towards this goal, we employed the theoretical concept of boundary objects to illustrate the different meanings attributed to the same concept. Results show that although a generic definition of flexibility is existent across the different actors, the concept is also understood in accordance with their a)practices and needs, and b)engagement with large actors with significant decision-making power.

Keywords renewable energy transition, Sweden, energy system, local flexibility market, energy flexibility, boundary object