Integration of Flexibility from Distributed Energy Resources: Mapping the Innovative Italian Pilot Project UVAM

Jan Marc Schwidtal, Marco Agostini, Fabio Bignucolo, Massimiliano Coppo, Patrizia Garengo and Arturo Lorenzoni
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Jan Marc Schwidtal: Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Padua, Via Giovanni Gradenigo 6/a, 35131 Padova, Italy
Marco Agostini: Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Padua, Via Giovanni Gradenigo 6/a, 35131 Padova, Italy
Fabio Bignucolo: Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Padua, Via Giovanni Gradenigo 6/a, 35131 Padova, Italy
Massimiliano Coppo: Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Padua, Via Giovanni Gradenigo 6/a, 35131 Padova, Italy
Patrizia Garengo: Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Padua, Via Giovanni Gradenigo 6/a, 35131 Padova, Italy
Arturo Lorenzoni: Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Padua, Via Giovanni Gradenigo 6/a, 35131 Padova, Italy

Energies, 2021, vol. 14, issue 7, 1-29

Abstract: In light of the advancing energy transition and an increasing amount of intermittent renewable energy to be integrated, flexibility from distributed energy resources will be key. In this paper, the Italian UVAM (Unità Virtuali Abilitate Miste, i.e., virtually aggregated mixed units) project, one of the biggest pilots in Europe to serve this purpose, is critically reviewed and mapped after two years of operation. The pilot is analyzed on a global level as well as the individual participant level. Based on the extensive analysis of actual market data, different strategies of participating companies to obtain capacity in accordance with the pilot project’s design are identified. Furthermore, the specific bidding strategies of individual participating units on the balancing market are outlined. Alongside this, the overall pilot project’s market integration, in terms of offered and accepted bids, is depicted. The thorough data analysis, therefore, serves as an input and fundamental building block for future electricity market modeling. Comprehending specific data from the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, provides insights for future high renewable-energy scenarios. Based on the analysis findings, valuable deliverables are devised for both policy-makers and decision-makers who aim to leverage the flexibility potential of distributed resources.

Keywords: ancillary services; balancing services; clean energy package; decentralized flexibility; distributed energy resources; energy regulation; Italian electricity market; renewable energy sources; virtual aggregation (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (12)

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