Abstract To address climate change, the proportion of renewable energy integration into the grid system is gradually increasing, leading to higher demands for flexibility. Current research typically employs methods such as dynamic system modeling, the construction of flexibility indicators, and scenario analysis to measure the flexibility requirements of the power system across different time scales. The use of frequency decomposition algorithms to explore flexibility requirements from the perspective of net load curves is relatively rare. This study utilizes net load data from the Western Inner Mongolia Power Grid to explore the distribution patterns of net load across different time scales under various seasonal and penetration scenarios using frequency decomposition algorithms. The results reveal that renewable energy output exhibits significant fluctuations and distinct diurnal variations, while net load also shows notable patterns and considerable volatility and seasonality. The analysis of flexibility requirements on typical seasonal days highlights the differences in demand distribution at various frequencies, with long-time-scale components primarily reflecting the overall trend of net load, while the medium-to-long time scale components characterize smaller, more frequent fluctuations. Additionally, the uncertainty associated with wind and solar output significantly affects the diurnal fluctuations of net load, with seasonal changes mainly represented in short-time-scale components. The study also emphasizes the impact of different penetration levels on flexibility requirements, indicating that as penetration decreases, the midnight requirement peak diminishes, suggesting differences in flexibility requirements based on renewable energy integration levels. Furthermore, the paper proposes corresponding solution technologies for “generation–grid–load–storage” across different time scales of flexibility requirements, ensuring the stable operation of the grid amidst climate change and rising electricity demand.