Enhancing electric demand-side flexibility in France : Identifying Opportunities and Solutions for the Hotels Sector

The transition to a sustainable and resilient energy system necessitates increased electric flexibility to accommodate the growing share of variable renewable energy sources. In this context, demand-side response (DSR) emerges as a crucial mechanism to balance electricity supply and demand while optimizing energy consumption. This thesis explores the potential for enhancing electric demand-side flexibility in the French hotel sector, a significant yet underutilized contributor to energy consumption. Through a comprehensive assessment of energy usage patterns in hotels, this study identifies key processes and appliances suitable for DSR, including lighting, ventilation, heating, and cooling. A methodological framework is developed to estimate the flexibility potential within the sector, distinguishing between shiftable and curtailable loads. The results indicate that under optimal conditions (all the hotels having access to DSR through appropriate software), hotels in France could achieve an annual DSR potential of nearly 500 GWh annually, representing up to 14.3% of their total electricity consumption. Even under more conservative adoption scenarios, the estimated flexibility remains substantial at 81 GWh annually (2.32% of total consumption). To further evaluate the feasibility and economic impact of DSR implementation, an optimization model is developed to minimize electricity costs while maintaining guest comfort. Applied to a case study hotel, the model demonstrates that a well-designed DSR strategy can reduce electricity costs by 39%, lower energy consumption by 41%, and cut CO2 emissions by a similar margin. Additionally, a sensitivity analysis reveals the critical role of building thermal properties in determining flexibility potential, highlighting the need for enhanced insulation measures. The thesis findings underscore the economic and environmental benefits of integrating DSR strategies in the hospitality sector. However, achieving this potential requires targeted policy interventions, investment in smart energy management technologies, and incentives to drive participation. By bridging the gap between theoretical flexibility and practical implementation in a case study hotel, this research contributes to the broader discourse on demand-side flexibility and its role in achieving France’s decarbonization goals.