Flexibility services from water distribution networks: the demonstration project of Gruppo Acea

This study explores how the inherent flexibility of water systems can provide flexibility services to electricity distributio n networks. Flexibility in water distribution networks is essential to ensure efficient operations, taking into account the variability of supply and demand, and it is specifically designed to guarantee service reliability. This flexibility is achieved through storage tanks and backup pipelines, which balance supply and demand fluctuations by operating remotely controlled pumps based on monitored quantities. By leveraging controllable assets, water systems can modulate electricity consumption and offer flexibility on the markets for electricity distribution network services, which are currently being tested in several European countries. The paper focuses on the Italian demonstration activity promoted under the European project BeFlexible, aimed at developing a systematic approach to assess the flexibility potential of water distribution networks for electricity system services, without compromising water supply security and ensuring a profitable business model for both water and electricity distributors.