Catherine Early Markets Technology - 12/March/2021

Flexibility experiments work to cut the system costs of solar and wind

Network operators tasked with managing the steadily bigger swings in demand and supply that accompany greater uptake of solar and wind energy have had to choose between constraining clean generation, which adds to operating cost, or increasing grid capacity requiring capital expenditure. A less costly way is to buy system flexibility in a competitive but carefully coordinated process. Trials in areas of Britain challenged by grid constraints are producing encouraging results 

An online trading platform allows network operators to pay energy producers and consumers for either more generation or reduced load

EASE CONGESTION Adding flexibility tools to an already-constrained grid allows for more zero-carbon generation without having to add transmission infrastructure

COMPETITIVE ELEMENT Market-based solutions provide returns on investment for participants and avoid the need for direct market interference by the national operator

KEY QUOTE Real-time flexibility procurement is certainly the direction of travel in the future
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