FOSDEM 2024 Recap: Unleashing the Power of Flexibility with Shapeshifter: A Universal Flex Trading Protocol
In a session in the FOSDEM 2024 Energy Devroom, Tom Wetjens from EDSN and Hugo van der Zwaag from Enexis took the audience on a journey through the innovative LF Energy project “Shapeshifter” (video follows below). This groundbreaking initiative aims to revolutionize the energy sector by addressing grid congestion and enhancing flexibility in energy usage.
Wetjens and van der Zwaag introduced Shapeshifter as a project born out of the need for stability in the power grid, particularly in the Netherlands. It brings together expertise from grid operators, IT companies, and consultants to tackle the evolving challenges in energy distribution.
Market-Based Solutions for Grid Stabilization
Shapeshifter operates on a Universal Flex Trading Protocol, formerly known as the Universal Smart Energy framework. This protocol enables market-based solutions for grid stabilization, allowing for efficient allocation of energy resources and alleviating congestion issues.
Key Roles and Collaborations
The presentation highlighted the critical roles of Distribution System Operators (DSOs), aggregators, and prosumers in the Shapeshifter ecosystem. Collaboration between these entities is essential for effective implementation and utilization of the protocol.
Real-World Applications
The speakers discussed various real-world applications of Shapeshifter, including its use in solar parks, wind parks, freezers, farms with solar, and steel mills. These examples illustrate the versatility of the protocol in managing energy demand and supply across different sectors.
Current Status and Future Challenges
While Shapeshifter has already seen implementations and demonstrations in projects like Fusion Grid, challenges remain. Wetjens and van der Zwaag emphasized the importance of increasing prosumer involvement, maintaining low entry barriers, and encouraging contributions to the project’s development.
Shapeshifter is not just a project; it’s a catalyst for change in the energy sector. Its potential to unlock flexibility and efficiency in energy usage makes it a key player in the transition towards a cleaner and more resilient energy infrastructure.
Learn more about LF Energy Shapeshifter at https://lfenergy.org/projects/shapeshifter/.
