Henrik Näsström, Chief Marketing Officer of Varberg Energi, took to the stage at the inaugural FutureGrid Innovation Summit hosted by E.DSO in Brussels on the 6th February to explain the role of Local Energy Action Planning (LEAPs) in grid resilience. Representing COPPER in a panel on the role of innovation in grid resilience, Henrik underscored the critical need for strengthened cooperation between cities and Distribution System Operators (DSOs) to advance the energy transition at the local level.
Local energy planning recognised as key to resilience
Speaking to a diverse audience of industry experts, policymakers, and innovators, Henrik highlighted the role of Local Energy Action Plans (LEAPs) as a promising approach to align the objectives of DSOs and municipalities. As cities increasingly become focal points of the energy transition, ensuring collaboration between local governments and energy system operators is essential to ensure grid resilience and the successful integration of renewable energy sources.
Henrik also highlighted the importance of cybersecurity in resilience, as well as making use of all potential flexibility assets, including electric boats in port.
Varberg are developing a virtual power plant in COPPER to strengthen flexibility
Henrik brought his experience building grid resilience from his own COPPER pilot. In COPPER, DSO Varberg Energi is piloting a city-wide virtual power plant that will make it easy for private energy customers to connect their assets up to the local grid and earn an income from providing flexibility services, being paid to store and dispatch energy when needed.
The Nätflex system allows energy customers using Ferroamp's balancing software Energy Hub to control how their assets interact with the city-wide 85MW virtual power plant through an app. This enables customers to contribute to a healthy local grid and earn an income with just a few taps on their phone.
Learn more about LEAPs
LEAPs are emerging as an innovative tool to drive integrated urban energy planning, bridging the gap between city ambitions and the operational realities faced by DSOs. By promoting joint planning and goal-setting, LEAPs enable more efficient and sustainable energy solutions tailored to the specific needs of city populations.
Read about the emerging need for city-led local energy planning in COPPER's introductory publication on Local Energy Action Plans (LEAPs).