Securing a Resilient Grid: The Role of System Services in the EU

When: 19 November, 17:30 – 18:45
Location: Euractiv Network Office, Boulevard Charlemagne 1, 1041 Brussels

As Europe integrates more wind and solar power, the grid’s ability to withstand disturbances is weakening. Traditional system services, such as inertia, frequency and voltage control, and black start capability, have long ensured stability, but their availability is declining as conventional power plants close. Recent incidents, like the Iberian blackout, show how vulnerable the system can become when these functions are overlooked.

To keep Europe’s electricity system secure and resilient, some stakeholders argue that system services should be better recognised and valued as core to energy resilience. According to them, developing EU-wide frameworks and incentives will be vital to ensure these services are available and to maintain stability in a renewables-based energy system.

The upcoming review of the EU energy security framework presents an opportunity to recognise system services as a main area of energy resilience. As discussions on the future of Europe’s power system evolve, there may be scope to place greater emphasis on operational stability within policy and market design.

Join this Euractiv event, supported by EUTurbines, to explore the role of system services in securing grid resilience and stability, and how market mechanisms and innovation can ensure their availability across Europe. Questions to be discussed include:

• What lessons can be drawn from the Iberian blackout for Europe’s future system design?
• How can the revised EU energy security framework address operational resilience?
• What role should system services play in ensuring stability in a renewables-based grid?
• How can market mechanisms incentivise investment and innovation in system services?
• How can policymakers ensure coordination between national approaches to grid stability?
• Which emerging technologies could play a role in providing essential system services?

Schedule
17:00 – 17:30 Registrations of participants
17:30 – 17:35 Welcome
17:35 – 17:50 Panellist statements
17:50 – 18:40 Discussion and Q&A
18:40 – 18:45 Closing statements
Followed by a light networking reception.