Reserve power plant consisting of emergency generators for reliability of supply (winter reserve)
BKW is one of the partners selected by the federal government to set up a virtual reserve power plant using emergency generators. This helps to strengthen the reliability of supply in winter and to counteract a possible energy shortage.
Become a part of this action and help to maintain the stable supply of energy in Switzerland.
Most important requirements:
- Your system can be operated grid synchronously or you are prepared to retrofit this capability by 15 February 2023. The costs are borne by the federal government.
- You have a fuel supply that is sufficient for 24–48 hours of operation.
Advantages for you:
- You will receive a flat rate provisioning fee of CHF 10,000 per megawatt.
- In the event that energy is effectively demanded, you will be reimbursed for the cost of fuel incurred, including an appropriate surcharge.
- Beyond the obligatory period of the winter reserve, we can place your emergency generator on the control energy market via our virtual power plant and generate an attractive amount of additional revenue for you.
With our many years of experience in the operation and marketing of a virtual power plant on the control energy market, we have built up extensive know-how with a wide variety of technologies. Contact us today and we will be happy to take care of the technical integration and marketing of your system.
How it works
You are the owner of an electrical plant that can be operated flexibly. Together, we ensure the plant is control energy-capable and pre-qualify it with Swissgrid so that you can then participate in the control energy market.
Once connected, your plant generates recurring income through its readiness and any control power call-offs.
Perfect plants for control energy supply include:
- Hydroelectric plants
- Biomass plants
- Emergency power generators
- Gas engines
- Steam turbines
- Cement mills (consumer)
- Cold storage depots (consumer)
- Large-scale batteries
Control energy market briefly explained
To keep the electricity network stable, electricity production and consumption must be balanced at all times. To do this, Swissgrid needs flexible output, giving it the possibility to intervene if an imbalance occurs.
Swissgrid procures this output in what is known as the control energy market and can activate it as necessary. The control energy market is divided into three products: primary, secondary and tertiary control. This division also corresponds to the order of activation when necessary.
It is also possible with all control energy products to pool micro-plants and supply the market as a virtual plant.