Flexibility baselining tool introduced in GB
The new tool is designed to help flexibility providers follow a clear and common approach to measure the amount of flexibility delivered to the network operators.
The tool, two years in the making, has been introduced by the Energy Networks Association (ENA) as a web-based offering to calculate baselines from data uploaded by the user.
The tool had its origin in the Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN) led TRANSITION project to develop a neutral market facilitator platform to support system operations and was further developed by the British specialist energy consultancy TNEI.
It will be used by flexibility providers to explore and determine their baseline calculations for participating in flexibility markets. A baseline is required to allow ongoing understanding and verification of the volume of flexibility services provided.
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The tool is intended to provide a standard and consistent decision-making process across all the network operators, so that those wishing to provide flexibility services to the networks know exactly what criteria will be used to assess their delivery no matter the location.
It should enable more transparency, with DNOs and flexibility providers being able to better validate how much flexibility is being provided, and consequently also more competitive outcomes, with customers ultimately benefitting from more cost efficient solutions.
Stakeholder confidence should be increased, as delivery into the distribution flexibility market and visibility of any potential earnings will be consistent and easier to assess.
In addition, there should be increased participation as by removing barriers and developing a clear and adoptable common approach, it will be easier for providers to engage with flexibility services.
“The launch of this tool, working alongside the TRANSITION project, demonstrates another step forward in this vital industry collaboration to help us deliver practical outcomes,” says Farina Farrier, Head of Open Networks at the ENA.
“Opening local markets for flexibility services remains a major focus of the programme, as a smarter, more flexible energy system is fundamental to reaching the government’s decarbonisation goals – starting with delivering a common framework for flexibility by March 2023.”
The tool on the ENA’s website uses the flexibility baseline methodologies that are being implemented by members of the ENA through its Open Networks programme.
The tool enables the exploration of the calculated baselines and provides an indicative view of the delivery of the required flexibility. After the user provides their historical site demand/export data a range of baselining methodologies can be applied to generate a corresponding baseline. After a flexibility event, the tool can also be used to verify a user’s actual demand or generation profile against the baseline to give an initial view of the success of the service delivery.
