In order to improve the efficiency of its secondary reserve (aFRR) and to support the system balance in The Netherlands, TenneT facilitates the market by allowing aggregation of assets. This will make it possible to guarantee the supply of energy over the entire Dutch territory in a more inclusive manner. Consequently, this gives FLEXCITY the opportunity to offer new services to its partners while strengthening its participation in the balance of the network.

Allowing aggregation results from the implementation of European ambitions for a transition towards the development of smart grids. It enables operators of assets, such as FLEXCITY, capable of delivering aggregated power up or down in 5 minutes to participate in balancing the network and thus receive additional remuneration.

FLEXCITY brings its expertise in energy efficiency to the aFRR market

Together with the team of Equigy, Flexcity rapidly and successfully prequalified for the aFRR services of TenneT and integrates this into the flex portfolio. Equigy, a joint venture between 6 European TSOs, enables the integration of small, decentralised units through its Crowd Balancing Platform. It enables connection to TenneT’s aFRR process via the use of modern internet-based technologies, technologies which Flexcity also uses in other European countries which allow for a fast and easy onboarding. The platform is intended to set a new European standard for smaller (aggregated) flexibility to participate in different TSO markets, thereby enabling the six or possibly more national TSOs to work together to promote and improve the market for renewable energy. Martin van ‘t Verlaat (Equigy): “There is a big and growing potential of small aggregated flexibility for balancing the grid. In order to effectively unlock that potential, we believe that aggregators should be connected fast and easy. The Flexcity and Equigy teams did a great job together to achieve this in a record-breaking time.”

FLEXCITY positions itself as one of the first entrants in new markets. Several partners who have already entrusted FLEXCITY with the management of their electrical flexibility will participate in this new service. Jeroen Schut (Flexcity) insists: “A big portfolio is created and ready to go live. For our partners, this market enlargement also represents a new opportunity to enhance the value of their installations and thus reduce their energy costs.”

FLEXCITY and its partners, both current and future, are thus participating in the balancing of the Dutch electricity network thanks to its recognised expertise in innovative electrical services. This balancing process encourages the integration of renewable energies into the network’s electricity supply by compensating for their intermittent nature.