For the first time, transmission system operator 50Hertz has prequalified a ground-mounted photovoltaic plant for participation in secondary control power (aFRR) for both positive and negative power. This was announced by Sunnic Lighthouse GmbH, a subsidiary of Enerparc AG. The company developed the project in collaboration with 50Hertz and the flexibility service provider Entelios.
The Enerparc plant in Schkölen, with a capacity of 37.4 MW, has been participating in the aFRR market since 11 November. During periods of high solar power generation, the feed-in can be reduced at short notice (aFRR negative). Conversely, in the event of an acute power deficit in the grid, a previously curtailed PV plant can feed back into the grid within a very short time, thus contributing to grid stability (aFRR positive). According to Sunnic, the rapid availability of this renewable power makes PV plants valuable components of the control energy market. Further plants from Sunnic’s portfolio will follow as soon as they are prequalified.
Sunnic states that the project required intensive conceptual work, significant team resources, and close coordination with the transmission system operator, particularly with regard to regulatory requirements, technical interfaces, and the integration of forecasting systems. The result is a robust, transferable model that will enable other plants to access secondary control power in future.
»The successful integration of our PV plant into the aFRR market is a paradigm shift – not only for Sunnic and our industry, but also for the entire energy system. Together with Entelios, we were able to implement a forward-looking concept that shows that even volatile renewable generation plants such as photovoltaics are capable of helping to stabilize our power grid in the event of fluctuations. The partnership-based and solution-oriented cooperation was a decisive factor in this success,« emphasises Arved von Harpe, Managing Director of Sunnic Lighthouse.
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