ACER Launches EU-Flex Model to Assess Electricity Flexibility Needs Across Europe

Public consultation invites industry stakeholders to provide feedback on a new open-source model supporting Europe's electricity system planning

Brussels, 5 November 2026 – The European Union Agency for the Cooperation of Energy Regulators (ACER) has launched a public consultation on EU-Flex, an open-source model designed to assess electricity system flexibility needs across Europe.

The initiative aims to identify potential gaps between available flexibility resources and the needs of Europe's electricity system as renewable energy penetration continues to grow.

EU-Flex incorporates several flexibility resources, including battery energy storage systems and demand response, to assess how electricity systems can respond to fluctuations in renewable generation and electricity consumption.

The consultation is open to transmission system operators, national regulatory authorities, energy companies, researchers and other interested stakeholders.

The public consultation runs from 5 November to 17 December 2026. ACER plans to conduct the first EU-wide electricity flexibility needs assessment in July 2027.

The initiative forms part of the EU's broader efforts to strengthen electricity market planning and improve the integration of renewable energy. Its findings could provide important insights into future investment requirements for battery storage, grid flexibility and other energy system resources.