Integration is central to smart energy systems. Through integration, smart, energy-efficient solutions are created. Buildings form a large part of the energy system and heat forms a large part of the buildings’ energy demand. The heat demand of buildings is therefore central to the creation of smart integrated solutions – not just for the heating sector but for the entire energy system.

The electricity system is characterized by an increasing share of renewable intermittent power, above all wind power. Together with a future strong increase in electricity demand due to the electrification of both transport and industry, managing the electricity system’s fluctuations is perhaps the biggest challenge for the future Swedish energy system.

With the flexibility the heating system could offer the electricity system, the buildings in cities could contribute to stabilizing the electricity system and thus to a greater proportion of renewable electricity being handled. This is the point of departure for the project, which thus connects – integrates – the buildings’ heating demands with an increased share of renewable electricity generation.

The project will utilize energy systems modelling to analyse how cities’ buildings can offer the electricity system the flexibility it needs in various smart ways.