Power Available phase 2 further unlocks the potential for variable generation to provide balancing services 

Great Britain’s electricity mix is rapidly evolving, with increased levels of variable generation such as wind and solar power. This means finding new approaches that harness the full potential of these zero carbon generators and allow them to play a larger role in balancing electricity supply and demand.

The Power Available (PA) project is one example of how we are unlocking the potential for variable generation to provide balancing services.  

In May last year we integrated the PA signal from over 90 renewable generators into our control systems and processes, providing greater visibility to our control room engineers as they balance the system on a second by second basis. Phase 2 of the project has built on this initial success, further optimizing our systems to make better use of wind power for response services when it is economic to do so. There are now nearly 120 generators providing the PA signal.  

The live data feed highlights the potential maximum power output of a wind generator is at a given time and in given conditions. Our control systems can then accurately calculate the response and reserve capability held on each generator, enabling them to compete with other generation technologies to provide real time response and reserve services.

Phase 2 sees use of the signal going beyond real time, with engineers able to see availability of variable generators to provide frequency response for future time periods. 

Through innovations like the PA project our electricity system is becoming smarter, more flexible, and – since wind power is often a cost-effective option when it to comes to real time frequency response – delivers increased value to consumers 

New wind farms are obliged to provide the PA signal through industry governance codes, however it is optional for those who connected to the network pre 2016. We’d encourage all wind farms to consider providing it, because as the amount of wind generation increases, the more opportunities there are for providing balancing services from wind. Wind farms interested in providing Power Available or having a frequency response contract should contact their account managers at National Grid ESO. 

While only PA for wind power is being has been integrated initially, work is underway to make PA for solar available at a later date. This achievement is the result of collaboration between ESO and the wind industry – supported by RenewableUK – and means the balancing services market for real time frequency response is becoming even more accessible to renewable generators. 

Power Available is a significant development for our control room operations and a boost for our zero carbon ambitions. Through innovations like the PA project our electricity system is becoming smarter, more flexible, and – since wind power is increasingly a cost-effective option when it to comes to real time frequency response – delivers increased value to consumers.