About iFLEX
In the green energy transition, we as energy consumers play a key role in the balance between power generation and demand. Due to the fluctuating and unreliable nature of renewable sources such as sun and wind, the need is for flexible energy consumers who can adjust their consumption patterns accordingly, which means continuously and close to real-time.
The aim of the iFLEX project is to empower energy consumers by making it as easy as possible for them to participate in demand responseDemand Response Intentional change of normal consumption patterns by energy consumers in response to external price signals (implicit DR) or incentives to reduce or increase consumption (explicit DR). Both operations can be automated. programs, in which they adjust their energy consumption in response to signals or incentives coming from energy actors, such as price signals or bonuses.
To support the consumer in managing when and how to be flexible, the project is developing an intelligent personal assistant, called the iFLEX Assistant. The assistant is a software agent which handles all the complexity of the system interactions, and which optimises the comfort, energy cost and environmental footprint on behalf of the consumer and according to consumer wishes. While the consumer has full control of the flexibility, the operation can be fully automated so that the consumer does not have to do anything on a daily basis.
Since the consumer is a determining factor in the creation of sustainable demand response, the project applies a user-centred approach, engaging the consumer in the design of the flexibility management service with special focus on the user experience, covering not only usability aspects but also analysing the motivational drivers and barriers.
Our pilots
The iFLEX framework and corresponding iFLEX Assistants will be demonstrated in three European countries, each with a different focus area.
More than 600 consumers will be part of the pilots, mainly consisting of private households and apartment buildings but also small industries and a supermarket.
Flexibility and holistic energy management
Helsinki & Oulu, Finland
Efficient operation of the distribution grid
Kozjansko & Savinjska Regions, Slovenia
Flexibility for energy market operation
Athens, Thessaloniki & Volos, Greece
News & events
Read the latest news from the project
What is happening in BRIDGE
Take a look at the recent conclusions and recommendations from the BRIDGE community on how to unlock energy flexibility in Europe.
Offering the thermal capacity of apartment buildings
The Finnish pilot investigates how apartment buildings can contribute to both power grid and district heating system balance by offering the thermal capacity of the building as a flexibility resource. The role of the iFLEX Assistant is to learn the behaviour of the building in order to forecast available flexibility and to automate the demand-response operations.
Managing electricity price signals
The Slovenian pilot looks at dynamic pricing as a means of adjusting electricity consumption behaviour, signalling to consumers and prosumers when it is best to consume energy. The role of the iFLEX Assistant is to make it easy for consumers and prosumers to manage their response to the price signals.