Assessment of flexibility options in electric power systems based on maturity, environmental impact and barriers using Fuzzy Logic method and Analytic Hierarchy Process

The rapid integration of variable renewable energy sources (vRES) in conjunction with the reduction of coal-fired power plants increase the need for flexibility in electric power systems. In a previous research paper, twenty-three (23) flexibility options were assessed, based on their technical and economic characteristics, using Fuzzy Logic (FL) method and Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP). Through this research paper the same Flexibility Options (FO) are assessed based on their maturity level, their environmental impact and the technical, economic, social and political/regulatory barriers they encounter in their deployment in Greece, using again FL and AHP methods. Data concerning maturity level and environmental impact are obtained through literature review while data concerning barriers are collected through a survey of energy expert's opinions. In both methods (FL and AHP), Demand Response from Large Industrial Plants (DRLIP) is ranked 1st among the flexibility options having FSI 0.745 and GPV 0.483 while variable Renewable Energy Power Plants (vRE) and Biogas Power Plants (BGPP) are ranked 2nd and 3rd respectively. On the contrary, Power to Gas (PtG) is ranked 23rd (lowest in rank) using FL method and 22nd using AHP method. The results of the research are very important for the policymakers as they can identify in which sectors (commercial, environmental, technical, economic, social etc.) should take action in order to promote specific flexibility options according to their policy. (c) 2023 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd. This is an open access article under the CCBYlicense (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).