What adds more flexibility? An energy system analysis of storage, demand-side response, heating electrification, and distribution reinforcement

This paper compares various flexibility options to support renewable energy integration across the transition using system modelling. We analyse new assets such as electricity storage, heat pumps, demand-side response with existing wet appliances, electric boilers for domestic hot water and distribution grid expansion, along efficiency measures in electrical appliances building retrofitting. propose an open-source sector coupling model (GRIMSEL-FLEX) minimise, from a social planner perspective, total cost of residential heating supply Switzerland, including types consumers urban settings. find relevant feedback mechanisms among options. Firstly, have larger potential than since they reduce storage investments by more 26% 2050 (only 12% response). Secondly, 34% is needed if pumps replace all fossil-based 80% systems entirely. Thirdly, we shift operation night midday, resulting photovoltaic deployment (22%–66% sector). Finally, capacity induced pump highly dependent on retrofitting rate. With 1% per annum, 86% can be avoided it counterbalanced high rate 2% annum.