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
...
Try FORESIGHT - 30 days for €29
Related articles
Flexibility and the energy transition
The ups and downs in demand for electricity have long made the flexible operation of power systems a must, so increasing that flexibility to also accommodate variations in supply from renewables is not that big a challenge. Having a clear definition of the term can only help the energy transition
Electrification of heat and transport
The bigger the pool of energy demand, the less the ripples in supply from renewable energy are felt. Special report part 2/3
Electricity markets need fixing
IEA boss Fatih Birol discusses the need and the tools for bettering the business case for renewable energy. Special report part 3/3
A way for companies to buy green electricity that really makes a difference
A Nordic broker has launched a new product aiming to ensure that renewable energy certificates known as Guarantees of Origin actually lead to additional clean power
Electrification for decarbonisation
It is the affordability of renewables that makes direct and indirect electrification of heating, transportation and some industrial processes possible. Ridding the world of carbon pollution is no longer a pipedream, but a job to get done
Price signals spur flexibility
Flexibility in supply and demand comes with a price tag but the right incentives get the job done
Renewables as grid flexibility tool gives glimpse of the future
As economic activity declined under the pandemic so did demand for electricity. Fossil fuel generation was squeezed off the grid by renewable energy projects with lower marginal costs. Fears that the higher proportion of fluctuating supply would destabilise power systems proved unfounded and grids remained stable. If renewables are to be tasked with keeping the grid secure, alternative mechanisms, already available, must be introduced soon