Public consultation on a temporary flexibility solution for connection to Elia’s local transport grid in the Flemish region

Context

The current context of the energy transition implies a massive integration of renewable energy sources, electricity storage systems and the electrification of (industrial) processes leading to an increase in demand and an increasing need for flexibility in the system. In recent years, the energy transition has accelerated significantly, leading to a growth in the number of connection requests from grid users for renewable energy, electricity storage and the electrification of industrial processes projects. In this context, Elia Transmission Belgium (hereinafter 'Elia') must make a robust and suitable electricity grid available to society. 

In the case of connection requests in an area with insufficient hosting capacity, grid reinforcements must be realised to enable a connection with permanent access for these grid users. Elia currently has several pending connection requests that rely on grid reinforcement to obtain permanent access, and the Flemish local transport grid is no exception. It is extremely important that Elia can rely on flexibility solutions while waiting for the grid reinforcements and to avoid delaying the energy transition. These flexibility solutions must be developed in accordance with the legislative and regulatory provisions applicable to the voltage level and location of each connection. Provided that flexibility is used, it is still possible to connect additional grid users while waiting for the necessary grid reinforcements.

In this consultation, specifications are proposed for market tests in the context of a flexibility product called "Fall-back flex PVN" that fits within Article 4.4.30 of the technical regulation Plaatselijk Vervoernet (TR PV) on the purchase of flexibility services for local congestion management or redispatching, which further implements Article 4.1.17/4 of the Energy Decree, and Article 13 of Regulation (EU) 2019/943. It is important to note that this is a temporary solution awaiting the transposition of Article 6a of Directive (EU) 2019/944 on the concept of Flexible Connection Agreement.

Consultation Period

Elia invites all stakeholders to submit any comments and suggestions on the document submitted for consultation.

The consultation period runs for a period of 3 weeks, from May 20th 2025 until and included June 10th 2025.