In this episode of Flexing the Future, the Entras team explores a key question in the energy transition. If flexibility creates clear economic value, why is industrial flexibility still not scaling at the pace many expected? While energy markets increasingly reward flexible consumption and production, adoption remains slow due to regulatory barriers, organizational resistance and a lack of awareness about the potential of existing industrial assets.
A central theme of the discussion is the growing importance of slow flexibility. Unlike fast-response flexibility services, slow flexibility is based on day-ahead planning and optimization, allowing companies to align production schedules with energy market signals without disrupting operations. According to Frank, Jeroen and Jens, this approach better reflects the reality of industrial processes and is likely to become the backbone of future energy systems.
This episode also highlights that the biggest challenges are often not technological but organizational. Successful flexibility projects require alignment between energy managers, operational teams and leadership. Many companies remain attached to traditional ways of operating and continue to prioritize predictability over adaptability, despite the proven financial benefits.
The conclusion is clear, flexibility is not held back by a lack of value or technology. The real hurdle is changing mindsets and business practices. As renewable energy becomes increasingly dominant, companies that learn to operate in sync with dynamic energy markets will gain a significant competitive advantage in the years ahead.
Find out the full story in this new episode of our podcast Flexing the Future.
