Work

Critical analysis of the new European framework for non-fossil flexibility and the questions left unanswered

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: The 2024 Electricity Market Design Reform introduced a new European framework for non-fossil flexibility. The first national flexibility needs assessments were published in July 2026, and indicative objectives and support schemes for non-fossil flexibility will soon be introduced. However, we argue that this new framework, which will influence the development of European power systems as they transition to low-carbon resources, is based on a flawed theoretical foundation and exhibits significant overlap with the European resource adequacy framework. No flexibility metric has been defined for the flexibility needs assessment. No flexibility standard/target has been calculated based on the economic equilibrium between the cost of additional flexibility and the cost of not relying on it. We identify three underlying metrics for flexibility needs, we present alternative approaches to define flexibility products and identify open questions that need to be addressed before the new flexibility framework moves to the implementation phase.

Source: iScience

DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2026.117859

Authors: Paolo Mastropietro, Pablo Rodilla, José Pablo Chaves Ávila

Institutions: Instituto de Investigación Tecnológica, Universidad Pontificia Comillas

Language: English

Topic: Electric Power System Optimization

Subfield: Electrical and Electronic Engineering

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Affordable and clean energy, Industry, innovation and infrastructure, Climate action

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,240