INDUFLEX – Enabling industrial flexiblity through a modular DSM-Toolbox

Flexibility refers to the ability of systems to adjust their energy consumption or generation in response to the demands of the power grid. In times of volatile electricity production from renewable sources such as wind or solar, this capability is essential to balance supply and demand. According to the International Energy Agency, limited flexibility remains a key obstacle to the energy transition. INDUFLEX helps to close this gap.

Building on the predecessor project DSM_OPT, digital methods for process modeling, market forecasting, and production optimization are being further developed and extended with approaches that enhance system resilience under external uncertainties, such as fluctuating energy prices. The INDUFLEX toolbox integrates these methods into a decision support system featuring customizable modules that can be tailored to various industrial environments. The project aims to make industrial flexibility usable in a targeted way—to relieve the electricity grid, reduce energy costs, and support the integration of renewable energy. Emphasis is placed on practical applicability: the toolbox is demonstrated and refined under real-world conditions in the pulp and paper industry at Zellstoff Pöls AG. In doing so, the project not only contributes to achieving Austria’s climate targets but also creates economic opportunities for businesses.

The project consortium brings together leading expertise from research and industry. It includes the Chair of Energy Network Technology (EVT) at Montanuniversität Leoben, the Austrian Institute of Technology (AIT), AEE INTEC – Institute for Sustainable Technologies, ENEXSA GmbH and Zellstoff Pöls AG.