The Stability Markets allow ESO to secure operation of the network at lowest cost to consumers. Updates on progress and any new tenders can be found here.
What is the stability market?
Stability services are vital for the safe and secure operation of the electricity network. Traditionally our stability requirements (inertia and short circuit level) have been provided by synchronous generation as a natural by-product of creating electricity. As more non-synchronous assets connect to the network, which do not have this inherent capability, the ESO needs alternative sources of stability.
Since 2019, the Stability Pathfinders have procured for long-term stability requirements, but there remains a reliance on the dispatch of synchronous generation in the Balancing Mechanism to ensure stability on short-term timescales. While our current Balancing Mechanism arrangements ensure security, they do not provide long-term assurance and can often represent expensive actions.
The development of a broader stability market offers a route to access stability services through an open, transparent, and competitive market specific to stability services. In 2021 we launched the Stability Market Design innovation project to explore the design for an enduring stability market with a focus on value for consumers.
As a result of this work, in our April 2023 Markets Roadmap we set out our aim to procure stability services across several timescales:
- Long-term (Y-4)
- Mid-term (Y-1)
- Short-term (D-1)
For more information on the timescales and details for each timescale within the stability market, please use the links below.
Long-term (Y-4) stability market
Further information will be provided on the development of the long-term (Y-4) market at a later date. Please continue to monitor our website and newsletters for future updates.
Mid-term (Y-1) stability market
Launching the mid-term (Y-1) market is the first step in the implementation of the enduring Stability Market.
Short-term (D-1) stability market
Further information will be provided on the development of the short-term (D-1) market at a later date. Please continue to monitor our website and newsletters for future updates.