National Grid ESO has launched a new signal for wind generators, boosting the potential for renewables involvement in the real time frequency response market.
The Power Available signal is a live data feed to the UK electricity grid operator showing the current potential maximum power output of wind farms and comparing the data to current output, a difference known as ‘headroom’.
National Grid ESO can then calculate the response and reserve capability held by each wind generator.
Wind farm owners can be contacted to provide spare capacity to help balance the grid.
National Grid ESO said work on the signal had resulted from collaboration with the wind industry, supported by RenewableUK, and would deliver increased value to consumers since wind power is often cheaper.
Previously real time response has generally been delivered by gas-fired power stations or grid batteries.
Work is also underway to make the signal available for solar generators, said National Grid ESO.