Congestion management marketplace pilot ongoing – more market participants welcome
The TSO-DSO congestion management market FinFlex, piloted by Fingrid and Helen Sähköverkko, has now been in operation for nearly a year. Needs for flexibility procurement were anticipated for the beginning of 2026, but due to exceptionally cold and low-wind conditions, no congestion management needs arose in the system. Additionally, the transmission grid, including its interconnections, and electricity production operated with outstanding reliability.
However, congestion management needs are not confined to the winter season alone. As electrification progresses rapidly, swift fluctuations in transmission grid transfer requirements have become commonplace, particularly when affordable wind and solar power are transmitted to southern consumption centres and for export, whenever conditions are favourable. During the spring, construction and maintenance work on the transmission grid cause interruptions, during which flexibility may also be needed.
The Congestion Management Marketplace is available to Fingrid as a market-based congestion management tool, alongside special regulation utilising the mFRR market. Market participants are still encouraged to bring flexibility resources to the marketplace, especially those that do not participate in the reserve markets.
Based on experiences from the pilot, new methods for utilising flexibility will be developed to manage the future electricity system cost-effectively. Active participation from market parties is expected, along with feedback on the Congestion Management Marketplace pilot, to ensure that customer flexibility can be incorporated in the best possible way. In addition, insights are sought regarding market-based congestion management and its efficient utilisation.
For further information:
Jukka Rinta-Luoma, Expert, Fingrid Oyj, tel. +358303954145