Efficient, Demand Flexible Networked Appliances
Over the past decade, EDNA has provided policy guidance aimed at improving the efficiency of smart devices and associated systems. In recent years EDNA has done a lot of work in the area of ‘demand flexible’ devices.
During its new term (2024 to 2028) EDNA will further increase its focus on demand flexible devices. These devices, empowering consumers, are able to react to requirements from the grid, for example to increase or decrease power consumption in response to renewable energy generation patterns, or to react to local demand constraints. Having such devices installed is crucial to a net zero energy grid – their potential to reduce the requirement for expensive energy storage is substantial.
EDNA sees this area as an increasing priority, however policy development is challenging for a number of reasons. The topic is very new and no jurisdictions have yet enacted regulations, hence there is no template that can be followed. There are challenges associated with the ‘interoperability’ of devices – ensuring that all kinds of devices are ready to be controlled externally is complex. EDNA aims to guide its members through this challenging policy landscape.
To reflect the shift in focus, EDNA will change its name to Efficient, Demand-Flexible Networks and Appliances and our scope will become:
EDNA provides analysis and policy guidance to members and other governments aimed at improving the energy efficiency and demand flexibility of connected devices and networks.
As before, EDNA’s entry point to the topic remains at the device level. Collaborations with, and outputs from, other organisations remain heavily valued. EDNA will continue its current work on data centres, and as required over time may choose to undertake further work on the efficiency of smart devices themselves as well as other related topics as they arise.
