Markets Overview
Powernaut enables your flexible resources to participate in various energy markets. Each market has its own characteristics and revenue potential.
Available Markets
Explore the different electricity markets available across Europe. From simple wholesale market participation to complex frequency response services, we've organized them by region and complexity level. Use the complexity indicators below to understand the implementation requirements for each market.
●●●●● Highly sophisticated implementation with stringent requirements
●●●●○ Complex implementation with strict requirements
●●●○○ Moderate complexity with standard requirements
●●○○○ Straightforward implementation with basic requirements
●○○○○ Basic implementation, suitable for beginners
- EU-wide
- United Kingdom
- France
- Spain
- Netherlands
- Australia
| Market | Description | Complexity |
|---|---|---|
| FCR | Helps keep the grid frequency stable by responding within seconds to deviations | ●●●●● |
| aFRR | Automatically adjusts power output to help restore grid frequency | ●●●●● |
| mFRR | Manually activated power adjustments to help balance the grid | ●●●●○ |
| Day-Ahead | Trade energy a day before delivery, perfect for predictable flexibility | ●●○○○ |
| Intraday | Trade energy within the day to optimize your position | ●●○○○ |
| Imbalance | Help balance the grid in real-time and get rewarded for it | ●●●○○ |
| Local Congestion | Help solve local grid congestion issues in your area | ●●●○○ |
Frequency Containment Reserve (FCR)
The fastest and most demanding market. Your assets need to respond automatically to grid frequency changes. This market is crucial for keeping the lights on and typically offers premium rewards.
Technical aspects:
- Automatic frequency monitoring
- Sub-second control loops
- Real-time power adjustments
Automatic Frequency Restoration Reserve (aFRR)
The second line of defense for grid stability. Your assets follow an automatic control signal to help restore grid frequency to normal levels.
Technical aspects:
- Automatic setpoint following
- Real-time telemetry
- Continuous signal processing
Manual Frequency Restoration Reserve (mFRR)
Manually activated power adjustments to help balance the grid.
Technical aspects:
- Manual dispatch system
- Real-time power monitoring
Day-Ahead Market
Trade energy a day before delivery, perfect for predictable flexibility.
Technical aspects:
- Power scheduling system
- Consumption forecasting
Intraday Market
Trade energy within the day to optimize your position.
Technical aspects:
- Real-time power monitoring
- Dynamic scheduling system
Imbalance Market
Help balance the grid in real-time and get rewarded for it.
Technical aspects:
- Real-time power monitoring
- Manual dispatch system
Local Congestion Markets
DSO-led flexibility markets to alleviate grid congestion at local levels.
Technical aspects:
- Location-based dispatch
| Market | Description | Complexity |
|---|---|---|
| DFS | Get paid for reducing electricity use during peak times | ●●●○○ |
| Balancing Mechanism | Help balance the UK power grid in real-time | ●●●●○ |
| Dynamic Containment | Ultra-fast response to sudden grid frequency changes | ●●●●● |
| Dynamic Moderation | Help manage medium-sized grid frequency changes | ●●●●○ |
| Dynamic Regulation | Fine-tune grid frequency with continuous adjustments | ●●●●○ |
| STOR | Provide backup power when the grid needs it most | ●●●○○ |
DFS (Demand Flexibility Service)
A new service from National Grid ESO that pays consumers to shift their electricity usage away from peak times.
Technical aspects:
- Load monitoring system
- Automated load control
- Real-time power metering
Balancing Mechanism
Main tool for real-time balancing of the electricity system.
Technical aspects:
- Real-time dispatch system
- Power output monitoring
- Automated control system
Dynamic Containment (DC)
Fast frequency response service to contain sudden deviations.
Technical aspects:
- High-speed frequency monitoring
- Sub-second control system
- Real-time power electronics
Dynamic Moderation (DM)
A frequency response service for mid-range frequency deviations.
Technical aspects:
- Frequency monitoring system
- Automated response system
Dynamic Regulation (DR)
A continuous frequency response service to fine-tune frequency deviations.
Technical aspects:
- Continuous frequency monitoring
- Automated control system
STOR
Provides reserve energy to cover unexpected shortfalls in generation.
Technical aspects:
- Power output monitoring
- Dispatch control system
| Market | Description | Complexity |
|---|---|---|
| NEBEF | Sell energy savings directly to the wholesale market | ●●○○○ |
| AOE | Participate in dedicated flexibility capacity auctions | ●●●●○ |
NEBEF (Notification d'Echanges de Blocs d'Effacement)
A unique French market mechanism that allows demand-side flexibility to participate directly in the wholesale market.
Technical aspects:
- Load monitoring system
- Baseline calculation engine
- Real-time metering
AOE (Appels d'Offres Effacement)
A dedicated capacity market for demand-side flexibility.
Technical aspects:
- Load control system
- Real-time power monitoring
- Automated dispatch
| Market | Description | Complexity |
|---|---|---|
| SRAD | Help balance the grid using industrial-scale flexibility | ●●●○○ |
SRAD (Servicio de Respuesta Activa de la Demanda)
Spain's primary demand response program, designed specifically for industrial consumers.
Technical aspects:
- Real-time power monitoring
| Market | Description | Complexity |
|---|---|---|
| GOPACS | Help solve local grid congestion issues | ●●○○○ |
GOPACS (Grid Operator Platform for Congestion Solutions)
A collaborative platform between Dutch grid operators to solve local grid congestion.
Technical aspects:
- Location-based dispatch
- Real-time power control
| Market | Description | Complexity |
|---|---|---|
| WDRM | Sell demand response directly into the National Electricity Market | ●●●○○ |
| RERT | Emergency reserve mechanism for grid reliability | ●●●●○ |
| FCAS | Maintain power system frequency through rapid adjustments | ●●●●● |
Wholesale Demand Response Mechanism (WDRM)
A market mechanism that allows energy consumers to sell demand response directly into the National Electricity Market (NEM).
Technical aspects:
- Real-time power monitoring
- Baseline calculation engine
- Automated dispatch system
Reliability and Emergency Reserve Trader (RERT)
A mechanism where AEMO contracts reserves not otherwise available in the market to ensure reliability during emergencies.
Technical aspects:
- Real-time telemetry
- Automated load control
- Real-time performance monitoring
Frequency Control Ancillary Services (FCAS)
Services used to maintain the frequency of the power system within specified limits through demand response and generation adjustments.
Technical aspects:
- High-speed frequency monitoring
- Sub-second control system
- Continuous signal processing
Next Steps
Ready to start participating in these markets?
- Check your eligibility for each market
- Obtain consent where required
- Activate flexibility