This podcast discusses power system flexibility with a focus on a set of well-proven solutions that will ensure the integration of high amounts of renewable energy for the decarbonization of energy systems. The showcased solutions are storage, demand-side management (including demand-response) and electric vehicle charging control. Particular focus is made on challenges and opportunities for islands where this requirement becomes relevant especially that they have limited (or no) interconnections to the continent. Hence, relying on flexibility options would ensure the secure and cost-efficient operation of their energy system. The methodology used for exploring decarbonization pathways is also presented: it concerns prospective modeling based on techno-economic optimization of TIMES model generator, a methodological corpus developed within the IEA-ETSAP (https://iea-etsap.org/). It implies the integration of technical, economic and policy aspects of the plausible evolution of power systems. A brief presentation of the H2020 GIFT- Geographical Islands FlexibiliTy project is also included since it is in relation to the topic and the study.

About Sophie Chlela

Sophie Chlela is a PhD student at the Centre for Applied Mathematics (CMA) of MINES ParisTech in Sophia Antipolis, France where she completed a postmaster degree in Energy Systems Optimization. In her role as master student, she worked on her master thesis under the supervision of Prof. Sandrine Selosse (CMA), on power systems flexibility. It included developing long-term energy planning with the integration of the innovative solutions necessary for reliable islands’ power systems. Her current research work includes the achievement of net zero emissions on the global level. She holds a BE in Mechanical Engineering from Notre Dame University-Louaize, Lebanon and a MSc in Renewable Energy from Ecole Polytechnique, Palaiseau, France. She has gained knowledge in sustainable development policies with her previous work as a research assistant with the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (UN ESCWA).