The primary control reserve (PRL) plays a crucial role in the stability of European power grids by enabling rapid adjustments to frequency deviations, thus keeping the grid frequency constant at 50 Hertz.
Functionality of the Primary Control Reserve
Primary control reserve must be activated within 30 seconds to compensate for sudden frequency deviations. A frequency meter on the system continuously monitors the grid frequency and automatically adjusts the system’s output as soon as these deviations exceed the defined tolerance range. This rapid response is crucial for grid stability. For more details on other types of control reserve, such as secondary control power (SRL) and tertiary control power (TRL), please visit the corresponding entries.
Determination of the Primary Reserve Requirement
The primary control reserve requirement is determined within the ENTSO-E (“European Network of Transmission System Operators for Electricity”). It is assumed that, in the worst case, two large power plant blocks could fail simultaneously, resulting in a total requirement of around 3,000 MW. This quantity is recalculated annually and distributed among the grid operators based on the feed-in of the previous year.
Auction procedure for primary reserve
An auction for PRL is held weekly, usually on Tuesdays, at www.regelleistung.net. Providers must conclude a framework agreement with their transmission system operator and prove the prequalification of their systems. The bids are sorted by price, and the contracts are awarded starting with the lowest prices until the required amount of PRL is reached. Further details on auction processes in the area of control reserve can be found in the EPEX Spot Intraday Market.
Remuneration system for primary reserve
The remuneration for primary control reserve (PRL) is carried out exclusively via a capacity price. Since the amounts of positive and negative power are balanced on average, there is no additional energy price, which reduces administrative costs and simplifies billing. If you would like to find out how you can benefit from additional revenues through our flexibility marketing, please contact us.
Advantages and disadvantages of primary control reserve
Advantages of primary control reserve
- Reaction speed: PRL enables rapid adjustment within 30 seconds, which is essential for grid stability.
- Grid stability: It helps to keep the frequency of the power grid constant and prevents major fluctuations.
- Renewable integration: The provision of PRL can be done by renewable energy sources such as battery storage solutions, which contributes to the promotion of sustainable energies.
Disadvantages of primary control reserve
- Technology requirements: The provision of PRL requires advanced and often costly technologies.
- Costs: Although it accounts for a small portion of the total costs, the required infrastructures can be expensive.
- Availability: The constant operational readiness of the systems is required to reliably meet the requirements of the PRL.
Trends in the primary reserve
Although the primary reserve currently has the lowest cost share among the control reserve types, its importance is steadily increasing. The technological progress in biogas plants, battery storage and power-to-gas plants will further strengthen the role of PRL and contribute to improving grid stability.
Summary of the primary control reserve
The primary control reserve is crucial for maintaining a stable grid frequency and thus for overall grid stability. Its rapid response time to frequency deviations makes it an indispensable form of energy. The ongoing technological development will further increase the importance of PRL in the energy supply.
Note: Please note that the Wiki entry Primary Control Reserve (PRL) is for information purposes only and does not replace legal advice. The be.storaged GmbH assumes no guarantee for the completeness, accuracy and timeliness of the information in this entry.
