Net zero without the gridlock through peer-to-peer coordinated flexibility

Gan, Wei, Zhou, Yue ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6698-4714, Wu, Jianzhong ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7928-3602 and Taylor, Philip 2025. Net zero without the gridlock through peer-to-peer coordinated flexibility. Advances in Applied Energy 19 , 100231. 10.1016/j.adapen.2025.100231

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Abstract

In the pursuit of Net Zero, the rapid adoption of electric vehicles, heat pumps, and distributed generation is placing unprecedented pressure on low-voltage electrical distribution networks. Can these networks adapt and evolve without facing gridlock? Our study proposes an innovative peer-to-peer coordinated flexibility strategy that has the potential to significantly transform the landscape. By aggregating individual flexibility through peer-to-peer coordination, this approach enhances local power balance, mitigates gridlock, and safeguards individual benefits. Through a novel large-scale network analysis method based on statistically similar networks, we have quantified the maximal potential of peer-to-peer coordinated flexibility in alleviating gridlock and deferring network expansion. Using real-world UK low-voltage electrical distribution network data and authoritative distributed energy resources roadmaps, our findings reveal that peer-to-peer coordinated flexibility can reduce peak power flows by up to 20% and enable as much as 91% of UK residential low-voltage electrical distribution networks to meet peak demand without gridlock by 2050, significantly reducing the need for network expansion. Furthermore, with the adoption of peer-to-peer coordinated flexibility, the network's peak is projected to occur between 2045-2050, postponing it by 8-10 years compared to scenarios without it. These results underscore the critical role of peer-to-peer coordinated flexibility and serve as a benchmark for the co-development of future grids and flexible resources when addressing associated implementation challenges such as technological infrastructure and consumer engagement.

Item Type:	Article
Date Type:	Publication
Status:	Published
Schools:	Schools > Engineering
Additional Information:	License information from Publisher: LICENSE 1: URL: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/, Start Date: 2025-06-26
Publisher:	Elsevier
ISSN:	2666-7924
Date of First Compliant Deposit:	7 July 2025
Date of Acceptance:	25 June 2025
Last Modified:	07 Jul 2025 14:15
URI:	https://orca.cardiff.ac.uk/id/eprint/179604

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