Case Study: Global and NZ Energy Flexibility Projects
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24 March 2025
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Yogendra Vashishtha
Client: Electricity Engineers' Association (EEA) New Zealand
EA Technology conducted a comprehensive scan of energy flexibility projects across New Zealand and internationally to provide actionable insights for energy planners, policymakers, and distribution businesses. The review identified focus areas and best practices to support the creation of an interactive digital map of energy flexibility initiatives in collaboration with the EEA.
This project reviewed 98 energy flexibility initiatives to identify common themes, innovative technologies, and future directions for distributed energy resource integration and smart grid design.
Through our Future Networks consultancy expertise, EA Technology initially presented around 50 energy flexibility projects at an EEA workshop. Industry stakeholders contributed an additional 40+ projects using a structured data collection tool.
Our research combined:
- Direct engagement with Electricity Distribution Businesses (EDBs)
- Extensive online data review
- Follow-up analysis of European projects post-workshop
Each project was scored against four focus areas to visualise trends and opportunity areas using RADAR charts:
- Technology Development & Integration
- Network Management
- Customer Engagement
- Market Design & Development
This collaborative process provided a broad and balanced snapshot of energy flexibility projects globally, highlighting how the energy transition is being shaped by innovation at the local and international levels.
“The EEA’s flexibility scan highlights just how rapidly the energy landscape is evolving, both in New Zealand and globally. By identifying and sharing these initiatives, we’re equipping the sector with the insights needed to scale smart, coordinated solutions that deliver value for consumers and the wider system.”
— Dr. Stuart Johnston, Lead Advisor Engineering & Technical, Electricity Engineers’ Association (EEA)
“This is a great initiative by EEA, who is planning to convert these findings into an interactive digital map for the NZ industry. We have recommended ways to periodically review and update this data given the rapid pace of change.”
— Dr. Yogendra Vashishtha, Head of Future Networks, EA Technology
View the final output and map development on the EEA’s website.