GOPACS Auctions Makes Demand for Flexible Capacity Transparent

The Dutch grid operators have GOPACS Auctions Launched. Through this new component of the GOPACS platform, demand for flexible capacity is published centrally and transparently. At launch, 496 MW of flexible capacity was immediately requested. This gives energy storage providers better insight into where and when their flexibility is needed.

GOPACS Auctions

Market participants can see in one place where, when, and how much flexible capacity is needed and submit an appropriate bid. They indicate how much day-ahead flexibility they can provide and at what rate. This makes grid operators’ demand more transparent and offers new opportunities for energy storage to help reduce grid congestion. GOPACS Auctions brings together the supply and demand for flexibility in a centralized platform. Previously, grid operators primarily contracted for flexible capacity through bilateral negotiations. The centralized bidding process increases transparency and helps ensure more efficient use of the power grid.

The first version includes requests from Liander, Enexis, and Stedin. The grid operators will continue to update the overview with new requests and future needs. GOPACS, grid operators, and Congestion Service Providers (CSPs) are also working on further automating the process from the initial request to the conclusion of a framework agreement.

Opportunities for energy storage

For battery projects, GOPACS Auctions offers an additional opportunity to provide flexibility at locations where the power grid needs it. After evaluating the bids, the selected provider can enter into agreements with the grid operator through a capacity management contract (CSC). Energy Storage NL views this new, centralized, and transparent auction platform positively. The storage market has long needed location-specific information and standardized contracts so that storage projects can contribute to reducing grid congestion in the right locations and with a viable business case. GOPACS Auctions has taken important steps in this direction.