Clara GIROUD-GERBETANT

Abstract

My research investigates the mobilization of power system flexibility in a context of high renewable energy penetration. While there is consensus on its importance, current flexibility levers are hampered by major obstacles: inadequate network tariff structures, the complexity of market mechanisms, and distorted economic signals in an environment dominated by zero-marginal-cost resources. Waiting until the last minute to act (the balancing window) restricts manoeuvres, increases costs, and reduces system security. My PhD, in partnership with RTE and CentraleSupélec, examines how to mobilize structural and dynamic flexibilities (via market) to limit the use of more costly and risky balancing interventions. I specifically analyse current inefficiencies, such as financial support mechanisms for RES that may cause frequency instabilities during negative price episodes, and the difficulties of integrating storage into market schedules. The objective of my thesis is to: • Characterize the obstacles to activating flexibility on short-term markets (D-1, intraday), whether related to economic incentives, technical constraints, or coordination between actors. • Propose regulatory levers (incentive schemes, contractual mechanisms, or market adaptations) to encourage more proactive mobilization. • Address the central research question: How can we achieve optimal dispatch in a market environment with a proliferation of zero-marginal-cost and storage resources?