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Frequency Control Ancillary Services
Frequency is like the heartbeat of the power grid, indicating whether the energy being produced matches the energy being used. Maintaining this balance is crucial for grid stability, and it requires the coordinated effort of various power sources. Our batteries are an excellent choice for Frequency Control Ancillary Services (FCAS) due to their advanced technology and reliability.
Frequency Control Ancillary Services (FCAS) is a service designed and operated by the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) to help maintain the grid frequency close to the nominal value of 50 Hz in Australia. This is essential because frequency deviations outside of this range can damage equipment and lead to blackouts. FCAS providers adjust the balance between electricity supply and demand in real time and help to maintain the overall health of the electricity grid.
Batteries can generate revenue from FCAS by providing rapid, flexible responses to balance supply and demand in the electricity grid. When frequency deviates, batteries can quickly discharge or charge to correct it, thus stabilising the grid. They participate in FCAS markets by bidding their services and earning payments for their availability and performance. The speed and precision of battery response make them highly valuable for both regulation and contingency FCAS, allowing them to capture significant revenue opportunities by helping to maintain grid frequency within acceptable limits. Last year, the market operator paid $120 million to FCAS providers, with 51% of this amount coming from Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS).
Energy Renaissance batteries are capable of providing a range of contingency services, helping to restore frequency to normal levels following significant deviations. Our solutions are flexible and adaptable, ensuring they perform across various time-based market segments. Contingency raise and lower services can be applied to systems below 5MW.
Contingency raise example: When a generator trips unexpectedly, batteries can quickly discharge to support the grid frequency, earning revenue for providing this immediate support.
Contingency lower example: During periods of sudden excess generation, batteries can absorb the surplus energy, thereby helping to lower the frequency and earning payments for this service.
The following table outlines how we comply with the latest requirements from the energy market operator otherwise known as the market ancillary services specification (MASS) compliance.
| Contingency Market | Response Time | Description | Energy Renaissance Solution |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 second raise | 1 second | Arrests a major drop in frequency following a contingency event. | superRack™ with Delta or Sinexcel inverter. |
| 1 second lower | 1 second | Arrests a major rise in frequency following a contingency event. | superRack™ with Delta or Sinexcel inverter. |
| 6 second raise | 6 seconds | Stabilises the grid by responding to frequency drops within six seconds. | superRack™ with Delta or Sinexcel inverter and 3rd party EMS. |
| 6 second lower | 6 seconds | Stabilises the grid by responding to frequency rises within six seconds. | superRack™ with Delta or Sinexcel inverter and 3rd party EMS. |
| 60 second raise | 60 seconds | Provides a stable response to major frequency drops within sixty seconds. | superRack™ with Delta or Sinexcel inverter and 3rd party EMS. |
| 60 second lower | 60 seconds | Provides a stable response to major frequency rises within sixty seconds. | superRack™ with Delta or Sinexcel inverter and 3rd party EMS. |
| 5 minute raise | 5 minutes | Recovers frequency to normal levels following significant drops. | superRack™ with Delta or Sinexcel inverter and 3rd party EMS. |
| 5 minute lower | 5 minutes | Recovers frequency to normal levels following significant rises. | superRack™ with Delta or Sinexcel inverter and 3rd party EMS. |
Energy Renaissance batteries were co-designed with CSIRO with reliability and cyber security in mind to support customers seeking to access ancillary services revenues with certainty. The superRack™ indoor and outdoor batteries are capable of rapid and precise responses, offer reliable and consistent performance, integrate seamlessly with site energy management systems, and various inverters that meet AEMO regulatory requirements.
Energy Renaissance simplifies FCAS battery systems by ensuring compatibility with multiple inverters, providing solutions during equipment shortages and grid constraints.
Our batteries integrate with various AEMO-approved FCAS controllers, adapting to changing requirements without needing new systems.
This focus streamlines operations and supports evolving trading strategies.
Participating in FCAS involves multiple entities, leading to complex platforms, teams, and contracts, increasing cybersecurity risks and signal interference.
A robust, cyber-secure Battery Management System (BMS) is crucial to address these challenges.
Our superBMS™, made in Australia under defence-grade cybersecurity protocols, ensures protection from abuse and safeguards critical components.
Australian-designed and manufactured batteries meet the specific needs of the local electricity market, performing reliably in extreme conditions.
Our superRack™ products comply with stringent standards, ensuring high quality and reliability, with faster deployment and integration due to local manufacturing.
Access to local support and maintenance ensures quick response times, maintaining optimal battery performance.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF COUNTRY
Energy Renaissance respects and acknowledges the traditional custodians of Country throughout Australia, the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elders past, present and emerging. We recognise their rich cultures and connections to land, sea and community. Together, we commit to building a sustainable future together.
Energy Renaissance have received endorsement from Reconciliation Australia for our inaugural Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan. Click to view our full RAP and commitment to Reconciliation.