The FIRMe project - the first local market for flexibility services - created in 2023 by E-REDES, aims to adapt flexibility requirements and test the market by raising awareness among the players (flexibility service providers - FSP) and encouraging them to participate in this new local flexibility market.
FIRMe aims to challenge consumers/producers to reduce consumption or inject energy into the grid, according to the needs identified by the DSO (Distribution System Operator), and in return they receive a previously agreed amount for their availability. The aim is to find consumers, producers or battery managers who want to offer flexibility to the distribution network.
The first auction, which took place at the end of July 2023, covered eight geographical areas of mainland Portugal, with 21 flexibility service providers (FSPs) responding, using a total of 43 different assets with an accumulated 36MW of power.
The first local flexibility contracts in Portugal were signed in March 2024. More auctions are planned until the end of the year, which represents an opportunity for several industrial and domestic clients.