Due to the steady increase in renewable energy capacities, future power systems are expected to exhibit flexibility at different timescales. Demand-side response and energy storage are two key elements for providing this flexibility. In this paper, we analyze how a large energy consumer with flexibility options interacts with the energy system. In this context, the interaction is not only limited to the operational aspect, but also extends to investment decisions in flexibility options. To perform this analysis, a simple power system model is considered, coupled with a grid-connected electrolysis plant and storage facility. Then, a linear programming problem is solved to optimize the energy costs as well as the investment costs of hydrogen facilities. For this analysis, a new mapping method for near-optimal regions is formulated and implemented. This implementation enables an extended sensitivity analysis, where the evolution of the near-optimal region is analyzed rather than the evolution of the optimal point. Finally, an abstract definition of flexibility in hydrogen consumption is presented, and its influence is interpreted. The results indicate that varying power system settings lead to distinct patterns of investment in flexibility capacities. In addition, they emphasize the complementary relationship between flexible consumption and the need for storage.
Din et al. (2026) studied this question.