{"id":24118,"date":"2026-01-28T14:26:36","date_gmt":"2026-01-28T12:26:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ehpa.org\/?p=24118"},"modified":"2026-02-10T09:23:28","modified_gmt":"2026-02-10T08:23:28","slug":"annual-report-2025-the-flexibility-fix","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ehpa.org\/news-and-resources\/publications\/annual-report-2025-the-flexibility-fix\/","title":{"rendered":"Annual report 2025: the flexibility fix"},"content":{"rendered":"

Heat pumps can be turned on when electricity demand is lower, and off at peak times. This\u00a0<\/span>balances out electricity demand and reduces costs<\/span><\/b>\u00a0for the EU\u2019s energy system and for consumers.<\/span><\/p>\n

To ensure this happens, consumers need to have\u00a0<\/span>some sort of incentive<\/span><\/b>, such as electricity tariffs that\u00a0go down when overall power demand is lower.<\/span><\/p>\n

Grid operators need to be aware of the flexibility potential offered by heat pumps and take this into account in their grid planning.<\/span><\/p>\n

It is also important that heat pumps can be switched off and on to enable grid stability and\u00a0<\/span>help the power system run smoothly.<\/span><\/b><\/p>\n

EHPA has inputted into <\/span>EU initiatives such as the \u2018Network Code on Demand Connection\u2019 –<\/span><\/b>\u00a0this\u00a0harmonises the rules over how to connect large renewable energy plants to the grid and integrate demand response into the electricity grid.<\/span><\/p>\n

Another is the EU\u2019s Grid Connection Code, which\u00a0sets the rules for connecting users, like power generators and consumers, to the electricity grid.<\/span><\/p>\n

These rules are meant to ensure a\u00a0<\/span>reliable and secure grid, boost renewable energy, and support fair competition<\/span><\/b>\u00a0in the electricity market.<\/span>
\n<\/span><\/p>\n

In December 2025, the\u00a0European Commission\u2019s\u00a0published a\u00a0<\/span>Grids Package<\/span><\/a>\u00a0which\u00a0aims to modernise Europe\u2019s electricity\u00a0grids, and\u00a0connect them up better. This will help\u00a0integrate more renewable electricity and lower energy prices \u2013 both key to speeding up heat pump rollout.<\/span><\/p>\n

EHPA\u00a0<\/span>stated<\/span><\/a>\u00a0that this is\u00a0<\/span>an important signal<\/span><\/b>\u00a0from the European Commission. Rapid implementation across Member States will be key to\u00a0<\/span>unlocking the benefits of clean, smart, and flexible heating.<\/span><\/b><\/p>\n

A crucial part of flexibility is the ability to store heat – known as \u2018<\/span>thermal energy storage\u2019.<\/span><\/b><\/p>\n

During a\u00a0<\/span>technical webinar<\/span><\/a>\u00a0in\u00a0December 2025, experts from several leading research institutions, including EU-funded projects\u00a0in which EHPA was involved\u00a0showed\u00a0their latest\u00a0progress\u00a0on this.\u00a0These include\u00a0<\/span>BEST-Storage<\/span><\/a>, which is looking into\u00a0peak load reduction\u00a0and\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>energy\u00a0cost minimisation\u00a0and\u00a0<\/span>ECHO<\/span><\/a>, which\u00a0is researching modular thermal energy storage solutions.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Read more of our annual report 2025:<\/p>\n