Black Start

Black Start is the procedure to recover from a total or partial shutdown of the transmission system which has caused an extensive loss of supplies. This entails isolated power stations being started individually and gradually being reconnected to each other in order to form an interconnected system again.

In general, all power stations need an electrical supply to start up: under normal operation this supply would come from the transmission or distribution system; under emergency conditions Black Start stations receive this electrical supply from small auxiliary generating plant located on-site. Not all power stations have, or are required to have, this Black Start capability. Black Start capability is usually a consideration when the plant is being built.

Generally, National Grid expresses interest in procuring the black start service from new power stations during the Connection Agreement process. However National Grid may also express interest in determining the feasibility of retro-fitting black start capability to existing power stations.

Regular inspection and testing of all the associated station plant on both the main and auxiliary generating units is required. Testing is carried out in accordance with the Grid Code and the specific Commercial Services Agreement.

For more detailed information on Black Start please view the information in our Balancing Services Contracts Information Pack. Alternatively please contact your Account Manager or Andy Walden of our Contracts team +44 (0)1926 655087, andy.walden@uk.ngrid.com.

Black Start Procurement & Contract Review

National Grid has been engaging with the industry to develop the procurement and contracting strategy around Black Start as a Balancing Service. It is recognised that over the next decade there will be a significant change in the profile and distribution of generation. National Grid therefore undertook the review to address the following key criteria:

  Transparent defined procurement strategy
   Balance between economic procurement & promotion of competition in determining suitable length for service agreement
  Appropriate remuneration for funding Black Start investment
   Investment signals for new/existing Black    Start service providers, taking into account
       Large Combustion Plant Directive
       Ageing OCGT fleet
   Promote competition i.e. attract new technologies and arrangements

The following documents contain Draft 1 of the service terms for New Build Black Start stations presented as clause and schedule for insertion into a Commercial Services Agreement. The terms have been drafted to reflect the output of the workshops and reflect ongoing internal and external comments and will be implemented for use from 1st April 2008. Views and comments from interested parties are welcome as the Black Start review is still open and under a consultation process. Also listed below is the material used and produced from the industry workshops for information.

To compliment the terms a high level service document is being produced that will outline the key conditions of the terms. This will be published in due course.

Please contact your Account Manager or Andy Walden of our Contracts & Settlements team (+44 (0)1926 655087, andy.walden@uk.ngrid.com) to provide comments and feedback on the review and to discuss the potential for you to provide this service.