Fingrid selected GE Digital as supplier of the system for controlling the balance of the power system

Fingrid is preparing for a change in the Nordic Balancing Model by acquiring GE Digital’s Load Frequency Control solution. Load Frequency Control is an information system that calculates Finland’s Area Control Error and uses it to control Finland’s balance by activating automatic frequency restoration reserves (aFRR).

In the future Nordic Balancing Model, Fingrid will control Finland's balance, i.e. the balance between electricity consumption and production, in real time. Fingrid acquires Load Frequency Control to this end. Following a public tender, the US conglomerate GE Digital was selected as supplier of this real-time software. The value of the acquisition is approximately EUR 1.1 million, including a five-year maintenance contract. The Load Frequency Control implementation project will be completed at the beginning of 2022.

"In the evaluation of tenders, quality was an important factor in addition to price. GE Digital was able to offer a solution implemented with modern technology, and stood out in the quality of IT architecture and information security. The acquisition schedule of Load Frequency Control ensures that we gain user experience of it before the introduction of the new balancing model and that we can smoothly join the common European reserve market," says Tuomas Mattila, Specialist at Fingrid.

“We are proud to extend our partnership with Fingrid – a front-runner TSO in the implementation of the Nordic and European Balancing Market codes - renowned for its IT vision and  high standards. The chosen solution leverages the latest GE Digital Grid Software DE2.0 modular applications based on open and interoperable components combined with advanced optimization algorithms already in operation in the region”, says Stefano Vassena  Sales Director GE Digital, Grid Software, in the Nordics. 

Load Frequency Control is an integral part of the implementation of the new balancing model based on Area Control Error (ACE). It calculates ACE, that is, the difference between electricity transmission measured at Finland's borders and electricity transmission according to market results, in real time. Based on the ACE, it activates aFRR. The activation of reserves will take place in the new balancing model in merit order instead of the current pro rata activation. In addition, Load Frequency Control communicates with the future European aFRR marketplace PICASSO, which optimises the activation of reserves between bidding zones.

Further information:

Tuomas Mattila, Fingrid, tel. +358 30 395 4180

More information on the Nordic balancing project: https://nordicbalancingmodel.net/

More information on GE Digital: https://www.ge.com/digital/innovation/discover-ge-digital