Automatic Frequency Restoration Process (aFRR/R2)
By offering balancing flexibility for automatic activation, Balancing Service Providers (BSPs) enable Elia to restore frequency.
Elia uses the secondary reserves (R2/aFRR) on a continuous basis in both directions to restore a frequency of 50 Hz.These reserves have a fast response time is quick and remains active as long as necessary.
Product design
The flexibility used for automatic frequency restoration must comply with the aFRR design. It differs from the FCR and the mFRR balancing services primarily in the fact that Elia activates aFRR automatically by sending a set-point every four seconds. The setpoint follows a ramping approach such that the selected volume of bids needs to be delivered at least within the aFRR Full Activation Time (FAT). The aFRR FAT is 7,5 minutes until 3rd of December 2024 (included) but will change to 5 minutes as of 4th of December 2024. In addition, BSPs have the possibility to specify a shorter (de-)activation period.
A grid user supplying secondary reserves must therefore be equipped to communicate with the Elia dispatching center.
Reserved and non-reserved flexibility
A BSP must at least offer aFRR energy bids corresponding to its aFRR obligations (i.e. reserved volume). A BSP also has the possibility to offer non-reserved energy bids.
How can European mechanisms contribute to balance on the Belgian grid?
IGCC: The current European platform for imbalance netting
PICASSO: the European platform for the exchange of aFRR balancing energy
PICASSO enhances the efficiency of the European balancing system and will benefit both TSOs and BSPs. TSOs will gain access to competitive aFRR balancing energy bids from outside their country, while BSPs will be able to sell their aFRR balancing energy to all participating TSOs.
