The increasing penetration of renewable energy sources, electric vehicles and distributed energy resources is transforming urban distribution grids into highly dynamic systems, where flexibility becomes a key asset to ensure secure, efficient and sustainable operation. At this aim the active role of end-users is a key enabling aspect. The project addresses this challenge by developing and validating an integrated framework for smart urban districts, aimed at exploiting end-user and distributed-resource flexibility to improve grid operation, increase RES and EV hosting capacity, and support new market-based coordination mechanisms.
The project is based on a proposed Clustered Local Flexibility Market (CLFM) able to match distribution system operator flexibility requests with balancing service provider offers differentiated by user cluster, time horizon and service type. The proposed approach will consider different flexibility sources, including passive users and prosumers, smart buildings and industrial or tertiary sites, shared EV fleets and smart parking areas, and Renewable Energy Communities. Cluster-specific services and activation strategies will be developed to enhance delivered flexibility, response reliability and technical compliance with grid constraints.
Key elements of the project are: the integration of advanced modelling, simulation and experimental validation and the consolidated network of the research units. The proposed solutions will be tested through a distributed laboratory infrastructure connecting the partners’ facilities, including microgrids, photovoltaic systems, battery energy storage systems, V1G/V2G charging infrastructure, real-time simulators and Hardware-in-the-Loop platforms. This will enable remote co-simulation, soft sharing of equipment and validation of the flexibility architecture under realistic and replicable operating conditions.
In parallel, the project will address the social and economic dimensions of flexibility provision. Tailored engagement, incentive and feedback mechanisms will be designed to improve end-user participation, acceptance and willingness to contribute to flexibility services. Economic analyses will evaluate the cost of flexibility procurement, the cost-effectiveness of activation strategies, the impact on end-user energy costs and the potential revenues for flexibility providers.
The expected outcomes include a multidisciplinary and replicable framework for smart urban districts, combining power systems engineering, market design, ICT, urban mobility, building energy management and social engagement. The project will provide validated tools, methodologies and best practices to support distribution grid flexibility, reduce operational constraints, limit RES curtailment and CO₂ emissions, and foster the coordinated integration of renewable energy and electric mobility in sustainable urban environments.
The project is based on a proposed Clustered Local Flexibility Market (CLFM) able to match distribution system operator flexibility requests with balancing service provider offers differentiated by user cluster, time horizon and service type. The proposed approach will consider different flexibility sources, including passive users and prosumers, smart buildings and industrial or tertiary sites, shared EV fleets and smart parking areas, and Renewable Energy Communities. Cluster-specific services and activation strategies will be developed to enhance delivered flexibility, response reliability and technical compliance with grid constraints.
Key elements of the project are: the integration of advanced modelling, simulation and experimental validation and the consolidated network of the research units. The proposed solutions will be tested through a distributed laboratory infrastructure connecting the partners’ facilities, including microgrids, photovoltaic systems, battery energy storage systems, V1G/V2G charging infrastructure, real-time simulators and Hardware-in-the-Loop platforms. This will enable remote co-simulation, soft sharing of equipment and validation of the flexibility architecture under realistic and replicable operating conditions.
In parallel, the project will address the social and economic dimensions of flexibility provision. Tailored engagement, incentive and feedback mechanisms will be designed to improve end-user participation, acceptance and willingness to contribute to flexibility services. Economic analyses will evaluate the cost of flexibility procurement, the cost-effectiveness of activation strategies, the impact on end-user energy costs and the potential revenues for flexibility providers.
The expected outcomes include a multidisciplinary and replicable framework for smart urban districts, combining power systems engineering, market design, ICT, urban mobility, building energy management and social engagement. The project will provide validated tools, methodologies and best practices to support distribution grid flexibility, reduce operational constraints, limit RES curtailment and CO₂ emissions, and foster the coordinated integration of renewable energy and electric mobility in sustainable urban environments.