Traditionally synchronous generation has provided stability requirements (inertia, Short Circuit Level & reactive power support) as a natural by-product. As more non-synchronous generation enters the system, the ESO needs alternative sources of stability.
The Stability pathfinders allow us to test procurement approaches for long term stability requirements, but the ESO still relies on the dispatch of synchronous generation in the Balancing Mechanism to ensure stability. Whilst our current arrangements ensure security, they are narrow in their facilitation of provider types.
The development of a stability market could offer the ESO a route to access stability services through an open, transparent, and competitive market.
Project approach
This project will be a desk-based study run by ESO, AFRY and wider stakeholders.
The project will:
-
Set the scene to understand the future world and define the objectives to evaluate different market design options.
-
Develop an enduring solution ensuring that participants can optimise their asset.
-
Assess the different market design options across the long- and short-term timescale; benchmarked against an assessment criterion of facilitating efficient dispatch, investment and provide value for money.
-
Provide a recommendation of the ESO’s future stability procurement routes.
Stakeholders will be able to input in this project through various workshops and questionnaires. Engagement will take place at different stages of this project to gather feedback on the different options, the assessment, etc. More information on how to get involved within Stability Market Design Phase 2 can be found below.
More information on the stability market design NIA innovation project
