The glossary

The vocabulary of electric flexibility

✦
At Veolia, transparency is key. 

We're committed to guiding you through the world of energy flexibility, starting with the key concepts. 

From A to Z, the glossary of our Flexcity offer is here to help you make sense of it all. 
Because the more you know, the more your company will thrive in the energy transition.

 

Graphic element

 

The vocabulary 
of electric flexibility

A  ―  B  ―  D  ―  E  ―  F  ―  I  ―  M  ―  P  ―  T

 

The moment when your asset adjusts its power up or down to help balance the grid.

The possible cost of your asset’s activation — either to increase or decrease its power.

The €/MWh rate at which you're willing to be activated. It ensures your activation costs are covered and determines your position in the merit order.

The payment you receive when your asset actually adjusts its power. It's often in addition to the availability remuneration and covers your activation costs, so your activation doesn’t create a financial loss.

Automated Frequency Restoration Reserve is the electric reserve activated automatically to correct grid imbalances. Flexcity helps you participate by adjusting your power quickly, several times a day.

Flexcity is an aggregator of electric flexibility: we gather various assets to create a Virtual Power Plant and offer that combined power to the Transmission System Operator. We support the grid by maintaining the balance between consumption and production.

The times when your asset is ready to be activated. It's your asset's availability that makes it a valuable part of the grid's flexibility.

The €/MWh rate at which your flexibility is reserved to be potentially activated. During biddings, the Transmission System Operator selects the cheapest flexible powers. Flexcity manages your flexibility to offer it at the best price for you.

The payment you receive for offering your flexibility to the market, even if your asset isn't activated. It’s compensation for being ready when needed.

A

 

A Battery Energy Storage System is a large-scale battery that stores electricity and releases it when needed. The system increases flexibility by helping stabilize the grid, optimize renewable energy use, and unlock new revenue streams.

B

 

The ability of your asset to adjust its consumption: to decrease when there's a lack of electricity or increase when there's excess. It's your asset's flexibility in action.

D

 

The amount of energy your asset uses to operate. If your asset can adjust its consumption, it has flexibility potential.

The capacity of your asset to adjust its energy consumption or production. Flexcity aggregates this flexibility to support the grid.

The amount of energy an asset produces. If your asset can adjust its output, it holds flexibility potential.

The backup mechanisms Transmission System Operators use to keep the grid balanced. These reserves pool assets that can be activated when imbalances occur.

E

 

Frequency Containment Reserve is the first line of defense in grid stability. This reserve activates automatically when imbalances appear.

The smart device we install on your site to unlock your asset’s flexibility. It adapts to your setup and connects you to Flexcity’s services.

F

 

The gap between electricity production and consumption on the grid. This can cause strong price swings, which Flexcity helps you benefit from.

I

 

The system where the Transmission System Operator selects the cheapest flexible capacities first to ensure cost-efficient balancing.

The Manual Frequency Restoration Reserve is a manually activated reserve for major imbalances. Assets are called on a few times per year to adjust their power.

M

 

The test organized by the Transmission System Operator to confirm your flexibility before entering the market. Flexcity helps you through every step.

P

 

The Transmission System Operator is responsible for managing a country’s high-voltage electricity grid. The TSO ensures supply and stability by using reserves and balancing mechanisms.

T