In the quest for a sustainable energy future, buildings—often overlooked as mere energy consumers—are emerging as key players in the low-carbon transition. A recent study led by Houze Jiang from the School of Environmental Science and Engineering at Tianjin University, China, published in the journal *Energies* (which translates to “Energies” in English), is shedding light on how buildings can become dynamic participants in regional energy systems, enhancing grid stability and efficiency.
The research delves into the flexible resources of building energy systems and vehicle-to-grid (V2G) interaction technologies, focusing on how distributed energy supply, energy storage, and flexible loads can be coordinated to optimize energy use and support the grid. “Distributed renewable energy and multi-energy cogeneration technologies form an integrated architecture through a complementary mechanism,” explains Jiang. “This enables the coordinated optimization of building energy efficiency and grid regulation.”
One of the study’s key findings is the role of electricity and thermal energy storage as dual pillars of flexibility. These storage systems operate along a “fast response–economic storage” dimension, providing a buffer that can smooth out fluctuations in energy supply and demand. Meanwhile, flexible loads like air conditioning and electric vehicles (EVs) complement each other through thermodynamic regulation and Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X) technologies, creating a dual-dimensional regulation mode in terms of both power and time.
The study also explores the application of demand response (DR) policies in building energy systems, highlighting the role of policy incentives and market mechanisms in promoting building energy flexibility. “By coordinating distributed renewable energy, energy storage, and flexible loads across multiple time scales, we can establish a dynamic balance system that integrates sources, loads, and storage,” says Jiang. “This approach offers a new perspective for achieving sustainable and flexible building energy systems.”
The implications for the energy sector are significant. As buildings become more integrated into regional energy systems, they can act as flexible resources that help balance supply and demand, reduce energy costs, and enhance grid stability. This could lead to new business models and revenue streams for energy providers, as well as increased adoption of renewable energy technologies.
Moreover, the study’s findings could shape future developments in smart grid technologies and energy management systems. By optimizing energy consumption and enhancing grid stability, buildings can play a pivotal role in the transition to a low-carbon energy future. As Jiang notes, “This innovative framework offers a new perspective for achieving sustainable and flexible building energy systems.”
In an era where climate change and energy security are top priorities, this research provides a compelling roadmap for harnessing the untapped potential of buildings as flexible energy resources. As the energy sector continues to evolve, the insights from this study could pave the way for a more sustainable and resilient energy future.