Who can participate?
|
|
Generation |
Demand |
|
BMU |
yes |
n/a |
|
Non-BMU |
n/a |
n/a |
Service Description
Fast start is the ability of generation to start rapidly from a standstill condition and to deliver its rated output in MW in the event of emergency. Providers must have the ability to delivery the service within five minutes automatically, following initiation from a Low Frequency (LF) relay, or within seven minutes of a manual instruction via an Electronic Despatch Logging (EDL) from National Grid.
Why is it needed?
The need for fast start is to minimise the risk of further system frequency degradation after an incident involving an abnormal or exceptional mismatch between generation and demand.
Major Technical Requirements
Automatic delivery - the generation must start automatically following a signal from an LF relay and deliver its full output power within 5-minutes. Full output must be sustained until National Grid instructs otherwise.
Manual delivery - the generation must start and deliver its full output power within 7 minutes following a manual instruction from National Grid via EDL.
The Fast Start Service delivery is expected to be sustained from the time of instruction for a minimum of four hours or until a cease instruction is received.
Procurement Process
Fast Start is procured through bilateral contracts. However, there is no requirement for any additional Fast Start Capability beyond the current provision from the existing providers as these requirements can be met via other reserve services.
Payment
Payment Structure: Fast Start Service has up to three payment elements:
Availability Payment (£/h): Providers are paid for the service to be held in a state of readiness with the potential to be delivered in the contracted timescale and to be sustained for the contracted duration.
Start Up Payment (£/start): Providers are paid this contracted rate for each automatic or manual start up, as long as they deliver the required MW within the required timescales for the required service.
Automatic Delivery Payment (£/min): In the event of a successful automatic delivery Providers are paid a contracted rate for the delivery, until a BOA or cease instruction is issued by National Grid.
BSAD: Not Applicable
ABSVD: Not Applicable