Skip to content
Article featured image
Go to: press and media

New FCAS markets could deliver big profits for batteries

New forecasts from Cornwall Insight Australia reveal a lucrative and enduring role for batteries in the recently launched Very Fast Frequency Control Ancillary Services (VF FCAS) markets. The price forecasts show participants in the Raise-1 market are predicted to make an average of $9.64/MW/hr out to 2026 and $10.95/MW/hr in the Lower 1-second. This compares very favourably to other markets currently forecast to make less than a dollar/MW/hr.

Even as prices stabilise in the long run, batteries are expected to see sustained gains, averaging around $5.5/MW/hr 1 over the 20-year forecasts.

The VF FCAS markets are designed to ensure grid stability by responding to rapid frequency fluctuations.

Maintaining grid stability requires sufficient energy to ensure consistent frequency, especially when unexpected events like power plant outages occur. Traditionally, coal-powered generators provided this inertia, but with coal’s phase-out by 2038, VF FCAS markets and their battery participants are stepping in to fill the gap.

As VF FCAS markets were only introduced on 9 October 2023, they are currently in a transition period, meaning they have a low maximum volume requirement (175MW for Raise-1 and 100MW for Lower-1). However, this will increase as more participants, including existing batteries, join the market, with over 1GW of response expected to be available by 2026. The high projected revenues could make participation highly attractive, suggesting a surge in battery involvement.

Quarterly average price forecast and average daily P10 to P90 price spreads – Raise 1 sec

Source: Cornwall Insight Australia

Quarterly average price forecast and average daily P10 to P90 price spreads – Lower 1 sec

Source: Cornwall Insight Australia

Ben Tudman, Modelling Manager, Cornwall Insight Australia:

“Our forecasts show the future of Very Fast FCAS markets looks bright for batteries. The potential for substantial profits, combined with the vital role batteries play in ensuring grid stability, means they are poised to be a driving force in this revolutionary energy landscape.

“With coal slowly fading out of the picture, VF FCAS markets will hopefully offer the contingency needed to maintain the stabilisation of the grid. We are optimistic that the higher prices available will see appetite grow for involvement in the markets, enticing both new players and existing battery assets to actively participate and contribute to these evolving energy markets.”

Reference:

  1. Over the 20-year forecast period, quarterly prices average approximately $5.95/MW/hr for the Lower-1 market and $5.08/MW/hr in the Raise-1 Market.

For more information, please contact: Verity Sinclair at v.sinclair@cornwall-insight.com

To link to our website, please use: https://www.cornwall-insight.com/au/

About the Cornwall Insight Group

Cornwall Insight is the pre-eminent provider of research, modelling, analysis, consulting and training to businesses and stakeholders engaged in the Australian, Great British, and Irish energy markets. To support our customers, we leverage a powerful combination of analytical capability, a detailed appreciation of regulation codes and policy frameworks, and a practical understanding of how markets function.

Copyright disclaimer for commercial use of the press releases:

The content of the press release, including but not limited to text, data, images, and graphics, is the sole property of Cornwall Insight and is protected by UK copyright law. Any redistribution or reproduction of part or all of the content in any form for commercial use is prohibited without the prior written consent of Cornwall Insight.

Media Use Exemption:

The information included in this press release may be used by members of the media for news reporting purposes only. Any other commercial use of this information is prohibited without the prior written consent of Cornwall Insight.

All non-media use is prohibited, including redistribution, reproduction, or modification of our content in any form for commercial purposes, and requires prior written consent. Please contact: enquiries@cornwall-insight.com

"The potential for substantial profits, combined with the vital role batteries play in ensuring grid stability, means they are poised to be a driving force in this revolutionary energy landscape."

Ben Tudman Modelling Manager
wind turbines and solar
Get in Touch to Find Out How We Can Support Your Business

Fill in your details and we will get back to you as soon as possible with more information about our solutions.

Get in Touch