The Challenges and Opportunities of Energy-Flexible Factories : A Holistic Case Study of the Model Region Augsburg in Germany

Title data

Roth, Stefan ; Schott, Paul ; Ebinger, Katharina ; Halbrügge, Stephanie ; Kleinertz, Britta ; Köberlein, Jana ; Püschel, Danny ; Buhl, Hans Ulrich ; Ober, Steffi ; Reinhart, Gunther ; von Roon, Serafin:
The Challenges and Opportunities of Energy-Flexible Factories : A Holistic Case Study of the Model Region Augsburg in Germany.
In: Sustainability. Vol. 12 (2020) Issue 1 . - 360.
ISSN 2071-1050
DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/su12010360

Project information

Abstract in another language

Economic solutions for the integration of volatile renewable electricity generation are decisive for a socially supported energy transition. So-called energy-flexible factories can adapt their electricity consumption process efficiently to power generation. These adaptions can support the system balance and counteract local network bottlenecks. Within part of the model region
Augsburg, a research and demonstration area of a federal research project, the potential, obstacles,
effects, and opportunities of the energy-flexible factory were considered holistically. Exemplary
flexibilization measures of industrial companies were identified and modeled. Simulations were
performed to analyze these measures in supply scenarios with advanced expansion of fluctuating
renewable electricity generation. The simulations demonstrate that industrial energy flexibility can
make a positive contribution to regional energy balancing, thus enabling the integration of more
volatile renewable electricity generation. Based on these fundamentals, profiles for regional market
mechanisms for energy flexibility were investigated and elaborated. The associated environmental
additional expenses of the companies for the implementation of the flexibility measures were
identified in a life-cycle assessment, with the result that the negative effects are mitigated by the
increased share of renewable energy. Therefore, from a technical perspective, energy-flexible
factories can make a significant contribution to a sustainable energy system without greater
environmental impact. In terms of a holistic approach, a network of actors from science, industry,
associations, and civil society organizations was established and actively collaborated in a
transdisciplinary work process. Using design-thinking methods, profiles of stakeholders in the
region, as well as their mutual interactions and interests, were created. This resulted in requirements
for the development of suitable business models and reduced regulatory barriers.