Smart Talks with Jovan Season 9 Part 1 Flexibility
In the first episode of the ninth season of Smart Talks with Jovan we explore one of the most important topics in today’s energy sector, flexibility.
This season focuses on how energy systems are evolving to become more adaptive, resilient and efficient in response to rapid digitalization and decarbonization.
Our guest is Elena Boskov Kovacs, an energy transition strategist with more than two decades of experience across industry and European innovation programs. She currently serves as Honorary Chair at the ETIP Governing Board, contributing to shaping Europe’s clean energy transition.
Could you briefly describe your role and responsibilities and how you define flexibility today
Elena’s work is closely connected to the European energy transition through her role within ETIP, an advisory body to the European Commission. Over the years she has collaborated with grid operators, regulators and industry representatives to define long term strategies and roadmaps for the development of energy systems.
Based on this experience, flexibility is often misunderstood and simplified. It is commonly associated only with demand response, where consumers shift or reduce electricity usage during peak periods. However, flexibility today represents a much broader concept.
It can be understood as the ability of the energy system to manage generation, consumption and storage across time and space. It includes advanced control of networks, integration of distributed energy resources and the use of digital technologies to improve system performance.
Flexibility is therefore not just a technical solution, but a fundamental part of modern energy systems, enabling better efficiency, reliability and new market opportunities.
In which cases does flexibility work in practice and where does it remain limited
Flexibility can deliver strong benefits when applied to specific challenges within the grid. It can reduce congestion, improve reliability and delay certain infrastructure investments. Tools such as smart meters, digital platforms and controllable assets allow utilities to optimize the performance of existing networks.
In many cases, flexibility helps postpone large capital investments by improving how current assets are used. It can also support higher integration of renewable energy sources and contribute to more stable system operation.
However, flexibility is not a universal solution. It cannot replace the need for grid expansion and modernization. Physical infrastructure investments remain necessary, especially when dealing with long term demand growth and aging assets.
The most effective approach is therefore a balance between flexibility solutions and traditional grid reinforcement, where both are used together to achieve optimal results.
What are the main technical and market barriers to large scale deployment
One of the main technical challenges is the lack of full visibility within the grid, especially at lower voltage levels. Although many smart devices are being deployed, systems are often not fully integrated.
Digitalization is not only about installing equipment, but about creating end to end systems that can process and use data in real time. Without proper integration, the value of collected data remains limited.
Another important barrier is the uneven development of energy markets across different countries. Regulatory approaches vary, which leads to different speeds of implementation and creates fragmentation.
In addition, utilities must deal with legacy systems. Integrating new technologies with existing infrastructure is complex and requires careful planning and investment.
These challenges show that flexibility is not only a technological issue, but also a matter of strategy, coordination and long term planning.
Conclusion
Flexibility is becoming a key element of modern energy systems, driven by the need for greater efficiency, resilience and integration of renewable energy sources.
While the concept is widely discussed, its practical implementation requires more than technology alone. It depends on system integration, regulatory alignment and a clear understanding of where flexibility can provide the most value.
At the same time, flexibility cannot replace traditional grid investments, but should be developed alongside them as part of a balanced approach.
As energy systems continue to evolve, the role of flexibility will only grow, making it essential for stakeholders to move from pilot projects toward more structured and scalable solutions.
In the second part of the interview, we will further explore enabling technologies, risks and practical steps for implementing flexibility in real world energy systems.