Energy transition explained

Systems that bring together different aspects of “smart grids” and “active network management” and assist in system operation at an energy distribution level.

FFR is procured in Nordics to handle low-inertia situations. The needed volume of Fast Frequency Reserve depends on the prevailing inertia in the power system and the size of the reference incident.

A government scheme designed to promote the uptake of renewable and low carbon electricity generation technologies. A fee is paid by the government to the owner of the renewable generation asset for every kWh of electricity supplied to the grid.

A flexible arrangement between a renewable energy generator and a network operator, where the generator may need to curtail its generation to help network operation. If a wind farm has to disconnect because there is congestion on the grid (i.e. too much power relative to demand), this is commonly called ‘spilling’ the wind. 

Flexible gas generation refers to gas peaking plants or otherwise known as gas peakers. These are plants are usually reciprocating engines or turbines fuelled by natural gas. These plants are usually distribution network connected and are used flexibly to resolve electricity system imbalances.

A carbon based fuel formed by natural, geological processes, such as coal, petroleum, natural gas, etc.

Frequency is the number of times alternating current (AC) charges direction per second. In Europe nominal electricity grid frequency is 50Hz. Maintaining consistent electricity frequency at a national level is important to ensure safe operation for the devices connected to the grid.

An electrochemical device that oxidises a fuel to generate electricity and heat. Typically, hydrogen is oxidised, producing water, heat and electrical power.

An electric vehicle that uses a fuel cell, sometimes in combination with a small battery or supercapacitor, to power its onboard electric motor. Fuel cells in vehicles generate electricity generally using oxygen from the air and compressed hydrogen.

A heating system that burns gas fuel to produce hot water for space heating and domestic hotwater.

A system which uses a small heat pump with a traditional gas boiler. The hybrid heat pump system can switch between energy source, depending on which is the most efficient at any given time. Typically, the heat pump is used for space heating while the boiler provides back up and hot water. 

The phrase originally referred to the first large battery manufacturing factory built by electric car manufacturer Tesla near Reno, Nevada (Elon Musk made up the word). It has since become a generic term for any plant that produces batteries for cars at a large scale.