National Grid operates a rapidly expanding network, where flexibility plays a key role in maximising the capacity of its existing network.

Demand-side assets and flexible distributed energy resources (DERs) are the key to unlocking the network’s full flexible capacity, yet that means creating new ways for DER operators to participate as FSPs.

The DNO therefore faces the challenge of accelerating the development of flexibility.

Electron partnered with National Grid Electricity Distribution to integrate its next-generation neutral market platform, ElectronConnect, with the system operator’s Market Gateway.

The Market Gateway is an online tool that allows DERs to to connect to the system operator and sell their load flexibility in markets. ElectronConnect enables system operators to procure flexibility from multiple technology types, network levels and time scales, from day-ahead to year-ahead.

What it means for DER owners and flexibility providers

For DERs with flexible capacity – known as flexibility providers – ElectronConnect streamlines the process of participating in flexibility markets, offering an end-to-end solution from onboarding through to bidding. Those services are all delivered through an intuitive web-based UI and set of open APIs.

This strategic initiative exemplifies the open-ecosystem approach to flexibility, as an example of interoperability between market platforms. An ecosystem makes it easier and more valuable for FSPs to participate in flexibility, ultimately increasing adoption across National Grid’s electricity distribution network.

Read more about the partnership