Siemens has introduced the Gridscale X Flexibility Manager, a software tool designed to help distribution system operators (DSOs) manage electricity networks more efficiently. The tool aims to relieve grid congestion, speed up new connections, and reduce the need for conventional network upgrades. As electrification expands across various sectors, distribution grids are facing increasing pressure, and the majority of energy executives believe that digital grid tools are essential for managing this shift.
The Gridscale X Flexibility Manager works by forecasting grid bottlenecks and identifying areas where flexible resources, such as electric vehicles, heat pumps, and energy storage systems, can temporarily adjust consumption or output to balance the network. The system integrates with existing DSO control platforms, monitoring grid conditions in real-time, and calculates and activates suitable flexibility options when overloads are likely.
By using this approach, Siemens claims that grid utilization can be increased by up to 20% and reinforcement costs can be reduced by as much as 40% through targeted investment decisions. The tool has been co-developed with several European DSOs, including Kärnten Netz in Austria, which is preparing for a regulatory move toward market-based flexibility.
The Gridscale X Flexibility Manager is part of Siemens’ wider Gridscale X platform, which aims to move grid operation toward more data-driven and autonomous decision-making. The platform has been tested by several DSOs, including Alliander, Areti, and Elvia, and has shown promising results in relieving grid congestion and reducing the need for network upgrades.
The introduction of the Gridscale X Flexibility Manager is a significant step towards creating a more efficient and flexible electricity network. By leveraging digital technologies and flexible resources, DSOs can better manage the increasing demand on distribution grids and create a more sustainable and reliable energy system. As the energy landscape continues to evolve, the Gridscale X Flexibility Manager is poised to play a key role in shaping the future of electricity distribution.