Battery container 0.5MW

Questions & Answers

• How does the FCR-D support service work?

  FCR-D (Frequency Containment Reserve) is a type of ancillary service used to regulate and balance the frequency in the electricity grid by acting as a fast reacting load such as a battery storage. FCR-D is used to manage a sudden over or under generation of electricity in the system, which can cause a change in frequency above the allowed range.

  To explain how FCR-D works, let’s take an example: if there is an excess production of electricity in the grid due to faster rotation speed of the generators than demanded by the consumers, the frequency will increase above the normal level. To reduce the frequency quickly, a fast-reacting load is needed that can absorb the energy. The same thing happens in reverse if we take more energy out of the grid than we have in production, then the frequency drops. For example, a battery storage system can help by discharging or recharging.

  It is important that the FCR-D consumer is ready to react quickly to the signals in order to quickly stabilize the frequency in the grid. This type of ancillary service is used to quickly regulate and balance the frequency to avoid disturbances and problems in the grid and to keep the frequency within the allowed range.

  summary-requirement-picture-for-reserves-december-2022-sweden

• How does the FFR support service work?

  FFR (Frequency Fast Reserve) is a support service used to quickly manage frequency deviations in the grid faster than FCR-D. It aims to stabilize the frequency when there is an imbalance between electricity production and consumption. The FFR is designed to act as a fast reacting power source such as a battery storage and is available to adjust the frequency within 0.7-1.3 seconds after a deviation has occurred.

  To explain how FFR works, let’s take an example: If there is a sudden increase in electricity consumption or a decrease in electricity production in the grid, the frequency will drop. To restore the frequency to the normal range quickly, a fast-acting power source is needed.

  summary-requirement-picture-for-reserves-december-2022-sweden

• What are support services to the Swedish power grid?

  Ancillary services to Swedish power networks are different types of services offered to help balance and maintain the stability of the electricity network. These services are essential to ensure the reliable and efficient operation of the electricity system. Here are some common examples of support services to the Swedish power grid:

  Frequency regulation: Frequency regulation services are used to balance electricity demand and generation in real time and maintain a stable frequency in the electricity network. By quickly adjusting electricity production or consumption, frequency deviations can be managed.

  Backup power: Backup power services provide rapidly available capacity to deal with unforeseen interruptions in electricity production or consumption. This can be in the form of backup power plants or other devices that can be activated when needed to balance the electricity system.
  Power balancing: Power balancing services are used to match instantaneous electricity generation and electricity consumption in real time. By adjusting electricity production or consumption, these services can help maintain a balance between supply and demand.

  Voltage regulation: Voltage regulation services are used to maintain a stable voltage in the electricity network. By adjusting the voltage, variations in the electricity supply can be managed and ensure that connected appliances and equipment work properly.
  Black start services: Black start services are designed to restart the electricity system after a major power outage. These services provide rapidly available power to start up power plants and restore electricity supply in the event of a total outage.

  These support services are provided by different actors, including power producers, network operators and specialized service providers. These operators often participate in a regulated market where they offer their services and are compensated for maintaining the reliable operation of the electricity system.
  It is worth noting that specific support services and their organization may vary over time and according to the specific regulation and market conditions in Sweden.

  summary-requirement-picture-for-reserves-december-2022-sweden
  explanatory figure for support services

• What is the trend with the balancing market and ancillary services?

  The balance sheet market is developing and growing
  Svenska kraftnät is working actively to develop new market solutions for the procurement of the services needed for robust operation of the power system, so that they can be as cost-effective as possible.
  The changes also mean that new types of technology and more plants than before are given the opportunity to become suppliers of support services, which both gives companies the opportunity to increase their profitability and to contribute to a continued high level of security of supply in our electricity system.
  The need for support services is increasing
  The power system is undergoing a rapid and extensive transformation. The new electricity generation technologies have different capabilities than the old ones and therefore do not make the same contribution to the stability of the power system as before, leading to the need for new ancillary services.
  The transition to an increased share of renewable electricity generation that is weather dependent will increase the need for balancing support services.
  The introduction of the EU’s common internal market for electricity also imposes new requirements on how balancing takes place and how balancing markets should be designed.
  In practice, this leads to the development of both new support services and new markets for support services.
  Svenska kraftnät wants to increase the number of suppliers
  Making ancillary services markets available for new technologies is an important step in ensuring sufficient resources for balancing the power system and maintaining operational security effectively in the future.
  Svenska kraftnät is therefore working to make it easier for new technologies to enter the markets. Increasing the number of suppliers is both a question of ensuring that sufficient flexibility can be offered for the overall need and of creating sufficient competition.

• What does BESS stand for?

  The name BESS stands for “Battery Energy Storage System” but can also be referred to as ESS. It consists of batteries for energy storage and can be used for ancillary services, arbitrage trading, peak-shaving, etc.

• What is the balancing market?

  Svenska kraftnät is responsible for maintaining the balance between electricity consumption and generation in the Swedish electricity system. To do so, we purchase and activate support services. Trade must be conducted in a transparent, cost-effective and non-discriminatory manner.
  Svenska kraftnät is responsible for securing markets for ancillary services.
  A support service provides a certain capability that the power system needs, such as an up or down regulation of electricity production or consumption.