UK positive about Winter supply and again turns to virtual power plants
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National Grid ESO in the UK has released its Winter Outlook for 2023/2024, predicting a positive outlook of electricity supply and a return to demand side measures such as virtual power plants to maintain grid stability.
The UK’s positive outlook follows on from last year’s anxiety about supply shortages due to the effects of the war in Ukraine and its effect on the gas and electricity markets.
Head of National Control at National Grid ESO, Craig Dyke said: “Today’s report illustrates the different position we find ourselves in, compared to twelve months ago.
“The energy markets across Europe have responded, bolstering gas and electricity storage and supplies ahead of this Winter.”
Part of the UK’s resilience strategy from last year was its turn towards demand side mechanisms, such as the use of virtual power plants (VPPs) to flexibly coordinate consumption.
Last Winter, the grid operator’s Demand Flexibility Service saved over 3,300MWh across 22 events, equivalent to powering nearly 10 million homes.
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ESO has stated it will again turn towards such services after its proven effectiveness in managing the demand side:
“To support our preparations, we have chosen to reintroduce the Demand Flexibility Service for this Winter, following the impressive response from consumers and businesses to act as virtual power plants,” added Dyke.
The ESO will further develop the service and encourage more consumers and businesses to participate:
“Following regulatory approval, we will be publishing more details on how households and businesses can get involved and participate in the service this year,” stated Dyke.
Improved margins in the ESO’s report are also attributed to shifts in the British and European energy markets, with increased availability of European gas storage and French nuclear power.
The ESO has also stated it will continue collaborating with neighbouring transmission system operators in Europe to support electricity customers.
