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Flexibility, grids and energy system integration

Flexibility, grids and energy system integration

Use heat pumps' flexibility

Heat pumps can be turned on when electricity demand is lower, and off at peak times. This balances out electricity demand and reduces costs for the EU’s energy system and for consumers.

To ensure this happens, consumers need to have some sort of incentive, such as electricity tariffs that change according to overall demand.

Grid operators need to be aware of the flexibility potential offered by heat pumps and take this into account in their grid planning.

It is also important that heat pumps can be switched off and on to enable grid stability and help the power system run smoothly.

What's the EU doing?

NETWORK CODE ON DEMAND CONNECTION

The EU’s Network Code on Demand Connection harmonises the rules over how to connect large renewable energy plants to the grid and integrate demand response into the electricity grid.

GRID CONNECTION CODE

The EU’s Grid Connection Code sets the rules for connecting users, like power generators and consumers, to the electricity grid.

These rules are meant to ensure a reliable and secure grid, boost renewable energy, and support fair competition in the electricity market.

Have questions on a specific file or position? Click here to find the right policy colleague to assist you. For general inquiries, email policy@ehpa.org.  

EHPA’s work on flexibility, grids, and energy system integration is further supported by the EU-funded projects ECHO and Best-STORAGE.

EU Projects

EHPA’s work on flexibility, grids, and energy system integration is further supported by the EU-funded projects:

Policy news

New EU State Aid Framework must back heat pumps to deliver on clean industry goals 

The EU’s just updated its rules on which sectors governments can give money to deliver on the Clean Industrial Deal. ...

25 Jun 2025
From policy to prices - wide-ranging EHPA sessions at 2025 EU Sustainable Energy Week 

“Spain’s most taxed product after tobacco and alcohol? Electricity.” With these startling words, Marta Navarrete Moreno of Spanish utility Iberdrola...

13 Jun 2025
EU Commissioner's focus on waste heat is positive signal

Large heat pumps and waste heat recovery can unlock lower bills and emissions, and strengthen Europe's energy security.

12 Jun 2025

Position papers
and joint statements:

EHPA position on social leasing for heat pumps

‘Social leasing’ means low-income households can rent clean technologies by paying an affordable monthly fee. The European Commission is due...

01 Sep 2025
Joint letter: keep 'energy efficiency first' at heart of EU Climate Law

Industry leaders and associations from the energy efficiency sector, including buildings, construction, and heating and cooling, are committed to securing...

28 Aug 2025
EHPA's feedback on the revision of the State aid rules on Services of General Economic Interest

EHPA welcomes the opportunity to provide feedback on the revision of the State aid rules on Services of General Economic...

30 Jul 2025
EHPA & EPEE's feedback on impact assessment on energy labelling of low temperature heat emitters

EHPA & EPEE welcome the European Commission’s initiative to explore the potential of low-temperature (LT) heat emitters. This product group...

28 Jul 2025