Through the collaboration between Vattenfall, Sympower and Statnett, Eramet Norway has gained access to FFR (Fast Frequency Reserve) between May and October 2021. They can now contribute to a stable power grid, not only in Norway, but throughout the entire Nordic electricity grid if a power failure occurs.
Energy sources such as wind and solar power put new demands on the electricity system. As more weather-dependent energy increases, larger reserves are required. Nordic system operators have therefore agreed to trade in synthetic inertia or fast frequency reserve (FFR) to ensure electricity network stability. This solution means that substantial electricity consumers such as Eramet Norway can quickly reduce their electricity consumption and help to achieve stability in the power grid when there is an imbalance.
Statnett, the system operator of the Norwegian power system, has bought 119MW to be used for frequency control at a value of NOK22.5m (€2.24m). Vattenfall as the single largest operator is responsible for 58MW, together with technology supplier Sympower. The deal is worth approximately NOK11.5m. Eramet Norway, an electricity customer of Vattenfall, produces alloys for the world’s industrial industry. They have an FFR readiness of about 400 hours.
The power system depends on a balance between production and consumption. When the system is in balance, the frequency is 50.00Hz. If there are major disturbances in the frequency, it can cause faults in electronic equipment and power failure.