Repower

Real-time balancing (in German "Zeitgleichheit") means being able to prove that power generation and consumption were congruent over a specific period (quarter hour or hour), which is only possible by means of grid-bound supply with (standard) load profiles. This minimises the amount of energy required to balance the difference between grid entries and exits. In Europe, this balancing energy is generally produced by plants run (indirectly) on fossil fuels, such as CCGT or pumped-storage plants.

We take a critical view of the impact of real-time balancing. Besides the major administrative work involved with deliveries of this type, we believe that real-time balancing may even be detrimental to the promotion of renewable energy in its current state of development. Only larger installations such as run-of-river plants are able to ensure real-time balancing if there is a large fluctuation reserve.

Decentralised solar power, small hydropower plans and wind installations have only a limited ability to keep to a fixed load profile. Given the natural fluctuations in the power these plants generate, it is hardly possible to sell a delivery on the basis of a one-year forecast. The reserves required are too big. We believe that it is more efficient to book renewable energy on the voluntary market on an annual, quarterly or possibly monthly basis.