The increasing integration of volatile renewable energy sources presents new challenges for the energy system. To ensure grid stability and security of supply, Demand Side Management (DSM) in the industrial sector is becoming increasingly important. This is where the INDUFLEX research project comes in: Its aim is to develop and demonstrate a modular, scalable toolbox for identifying and utilizing industrial flexibility potentials.

The INDUFLEX toolbox supports industrial companies in intelligently adapting their energy consumption to electricity price signals and grid requirements. Based on forecasting, optimization, and simulation modules, energy-intensive processes can be specifically shifted or adjusted – with positive effects on cost-efficiency, energy efficiency, and carbon footprint.

Demonstration and validation take place at Zellstoff Pöls AG, a complex industrial site in the energy-intensive pulp and paper industry. In addition to the practical implementation, the project also generates scientifically relevant findings and contributes to the digital transformation of the industry.

Project focus areas:

• Development of a decision support system (DSS) for implementing DSM strategies
• Integration of market-, process-, and optimization-oriented modules
• Application and validation in a real industrial environment
• Assessment of transferability and scalability to other industrial sectors
• Contribution to achieving climate neutrality and supply security

Short description of EVT’s role and tasks:

The Chair of Energy Network Technology (EVT) coordinates the INDUFLEX project and plays a key role in its scientific and technical design. The main focus lies on the modeling and analysis of industrial energy systems, high-resolution forecasting and representation of energy consumption, and the assessment of flexibility potentials. Furthermore, EVT develops optimization methods for industrial processes in the context of DSM and supports their integration into the INDUFLEX toolbox. Dissemination of scientific findings through publications and conference contributions is also an essential part of EVT’s activities.

Project partners

Project INDUFLEX is part of the innovation network NEFI (New Energy for Industry), which is facing the energy transition through technology development together with the Austrian industry.

Founding source: This project is funded by the Climate and Energy Fund and carried out within the program " FTI Initiative für die Transformation der Industrie”.