InterFlex aims to empower distribution network operators (DSOs) in the transition to more flexible local energy systems.

Within three years of the project lifetime, Interflex plans to carry out six demonstrations in five European countries - Czech Republic, France, Germany, Netherlands and Sweden – to test the flexibility of distribution networks, innovative IT solutions and increased network automation.

Demonstrations are designed to run 18 use cases involving one or several of the levers increasing the local energy system flexibility:

• energy storage technologies (electricity, heat, cooling);
• demand response schemes with two coupling of networks (electricity and gas, electricity and heat/cooling);
• integration of grid users owning electric vehicles;
• further automation of grid operations including contributions of micro-grids.

The use cases are grouped in three clusters:

• Three use cases address the enhancement of the distribution network flexibility;
• Five use cases demonstrate the role of ICT solutions in supporting automation of the distribution networks;
• Ten use cases combine increased network automation and an increased level of aggregation to validate the plausibility of local flexibility markets where both distributed generation and controllable loads can be valued.

The distribution network operators and industry partners involved in the project study replicability of the results, with a focus on an in-depth analysis of the interchangeability and interoperability of the tested critical technology components.

InterFlex aims to disseminate the project results to European DSOs and all the stakeholders of the electricity value chain through publishing roadmaps for the most promising use cases, thus nourishing the preparation of the future electricity market design.