Renewables such as wind and solar power are playing an increasingly important role in the overall energy mix, supplying an ever-growing share of power to the grids. Conventional power plants, such as nuclear or coal-fired plants that supply constant and predictable power are slowly declining – for instance in Europe.
There needs to be a more flexible philosophy towards grid stabilization so that power is generated in accordance with energy demand. Consequently, there is a greater need for intelligent load balancing systems and approaches, such as control reserve solutions, to deal with such fluctuations. Become an integral part of the renewable energy age – and earn an income while doing so.
Speed & Flexibility – the Key to Grid Stabilization
A control reserve solution supported by reciprocating engines can provide this flexibility: their short-term availability, fast and flexible start-up/ramp-down times, predictable and stable power output are particularly attractive for such applications. The profound transformation of the European energy system provides a great opportunity for operators of small, agile power plants such as generator sets: such decentralized small and middle-scale power plants come into play whenever the allocated spare output of conventional power plants is not enough to stabilize the grid. They can react quickly when called upon and allow for maximum flexibility in terms of load balance and control power delivery – which in turn gives them a competitive advantage over large conventional power plants. Get ready to participate in current and future control reserve programs – with MTU power generation products.
What is Control Reserve?
The demand and supply side (renewables and non-renewables) have to be always kept in balance to keep grid frequency at a nominal frequency of 50 Hz. Control reserve programs represent a major opportunity for the energy industry. Transmission system operators are required to compensate the fluctuations by providing short-term control reserves and stabilizing the grid frequency at 50 Hz. This is done through negative control reserves in the case of over-frequency (> 50 Hz), or positive control reserves in the case of under-frequency (< 50 Hz). Two different types of control reserves exist: positive and negative. Operators of decentralized power systems connect their systems to a ’’virtual energy system’’ – called a virtual power plant (VPP). If the grid frequency needs to be increased, the system can feed in the control reserve required by the grid (positive load balancing). This could be provided both by emergency backup generator sets as well as continuously running decentralized combined heat and power units. If the grid frequency is too high, the system can flexibly reduce the amount of electricity it feeds into the grid (negative load balancing). Grid operators set the activation time for each unit in accordance with national regulations. Participating in such a virtual energy market enables system operators to earn additional revenues while shortening their ROI times.
Become part of the Solution
As a participant in national reserve programs, you gain additional revenue by providing short-term flexible control reserve. MTU gas-powered cogeneration systems and diesel generator sets make sure you are well prepared: Our solutions deliver the speed and flexibility that are needed in today’s energy markets. They feature a stable power output, fast and flexible ramp-up/ramp-down times, and they can fulfill national requirements, such as those of the German or UK control reserve market at short activation times. Existing plants can also be retrofitted to help balance the supply and demand of the electricity network.
Taking Advantage of Control Reserve Benefits
Become an active player in a control reserve program and make the most out of your assets – with our help. You can count on us to find a solution that perfectly matches your specific requirements. We are your reliable partner, whether you are just starting out or looking to connect existing generating capacity to the grid.
Your Opportunity: Providing Control Reserve as Part of the National Grid Programs such as Short-Term Operating Reserve (STOR) in UK
Short-Term Operating Reserve (STOR) is the most important source of reserve energy in the UK’s national grid. STOR is delivered by reducing demand or increasing generation with around ten minutes’ notice and sustaining this for approximately one to two hours. If you decide to contribute in the control reserve market, i.e. the STOR program, MTU generator sets, that is to say, will consider each individual plant in the tendering process (pool) – with every activation you will participate in one of the most dynamic and attractive market segments.
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