The first in a suite of three new frequency response services is being debuted by National Grid Electricity System Operator (ESO).
The Dynamic Containment service, which provide a sub-second response to faults, will go live at 11pm this evening (1 October).
Two battery storage units have been accepted to provide 90MW of fast frequency response over the first 24 hours. Auctions will take place daily, with six units or 165MW of capacity competing in tomorrow’s day-ahead tender.
The ESO is initially seeking to acquire 500MW of reserve capacity to boost the frequency of the power grid when it is low and falling but plans to procure 1GW next year while also expanding the service to include high frequency response.
The full suite of new services will be completed with the addition of Dynamic Moderation, which will likewise be used to manage sudden imbalances but with a slower response time, and Dynamic Regulation, which will be used to manage smaller deviations in frequency when it is close to the target 50Hz.
The Dynamic Containment will for the time being sit alongside the ESO’s existing frequency response services rather than replacing any.
ESO chief engineer and head of national control Roisin Quinn said: “This summer gave us unprecedented insight into what operating a zero carbon electricity system with low inertia could look like. Although at times we needed to take more actions to make sure we kept the system secure, I’m proud that our control room proved equal to the engineering challenge.
“Dynamic Containment will be a game-changer. The boost the new service will bring to our frequency response capability will further strengthen the system and our ability to maintain a safe and secure electricity supply. It will also allow us to bring more renewable generation into the electricity mix, meaning more progress towards our zero carbon ambition.”
Kayte O’Neill, head of markets at the ESO, said: “We’re delighted to be launching Dynamic Containment and to be moving frequency response procurement closer to real-time. It creates further opportunity for renewables to participate in frequency response markets, supporting our work to widen access and increase competition, and delivering better value for consumers.
“It’s another exciting step on our journey to a smarter and more flexible electricity system – and one which we can operate safely and securely with zero carbon by 2025.”