New business models for VGB utilities

In view of the expansion of renewables and distributed generation, the integration of these systems and the use of storage technologies is playing a major role in the energy sector. The regulatory boundary conditions to use these technologies have been analysed within the VGB research project "Technical use of distributed generation and storages with regard to reserve and balancing markets. Regulatory boundary conditions in several EU countries and Switzerland".

The advantages and disadvantages of various existing market requirements in Europe in the field of balancing power have been described in an extensive way. The study aims in particular at shedding light on the prospects of novel technologies and market participants considering the provision of Frequency Containment Reserve (FCR) and Automatic Frequency Restoration Reserve (aFRR). Through an initial set of basic market and technical information, it gives guidance to potential new market participants.

Detailed applications and business models will be analysed in a follow-up project. The technical potential, the economic incentives as well as the hurdles and current situations should be described.