ENERTRAG sets-up Alpiq’s solution

From 1 January 2026, participation in the Balancing Mechanism is mandatory for all Renewable Energy assets with a capacity of 10 MW or more. Within this new regulatory framework, having a reliable, high-performance and immediate operational solution for all types of wind energy installations is essential. ENERTRAG and Alpiq are therefore launching a strategic collaboration that enables ENERTRAG to offer Alpiq's solution to its clients.

Meeting a major regulatory requirement

"For Renewable Energy producers, this legal obligation demands extreme responsiveness (under 15 minutes) along with strict compliance with the grid operator's technical and operational requirements. These operations call for capabilities ranging from grid engineering to securing installations." explains Alexis Noel, Head of Operations Sales at ENERTRAG.

Participation in the Balancing Mechanism strengthens the stability of the power system by enabling RTE to activate production or consumption capacity, up or down, in real time. Fully aware of these challenges, ENERTRAG chose to draw on the proven expertise of Alpiq, a long-standing and recognised leader in flexibility and balancing mechanisms, to support its clients and assets through this regulatory transition.

 An integrated, robust and scalable technical solution

The solution developed by Alpiq, already deployed across around 100 wind fields and currently being installed on more than 150 additional sites, relies on a remote control system for generation assets. It enables:

• effective participation in the Balancing Mechanism,
• controlled reduction or shutdown of production (start & stop) based on the power system's needs,
• secure and reliable communication between installations and balancing operators,
• rapid compliance with regulatory requirements applicable from 2026.

Integrated into ENERTRAG operations processes, Alpiq's solution supports intelligent wind field management while limiting operational impacts for operators.

A lever for performance and control

Beyond regulatory compliance alone, the collaboration between ENERTRAG and Alpiq enables operators to:

• anticipate grid peaks and constraints,
• manage periods of negative prices more effectively,
• unlock the flexibility value of their assets,
• secure long-term operations in a context of deep transformation of the power system,
• all through a turnkey investment at a competitive cost, with no structural modification required.

"By offering this solution, ENERTRAG positions itself as a proactive partner, ready to support its assets as regulations evolve and new market mechanisms emerge. This concrete innovation reflects our expertise in designing fully controllable power systems, a core pillar of ENERTRAG strategy and our vision for the energy transition." says Vincent Masureel, Managing Director, ENERTRAG France.

"Flexibility is Alpiq's DNA. That is why we were pioneers in France in managing flexibility for the renewable fleet, and we are now a leader with more than 4 GW of renewable assets participating in the Balancing Mechanism. ENERTRAG was among the first producers to choose the solution developed by Alpiq to capture value from its generation fleet on the Balancing Mechanism from the first half of 2024. A choice perfectly aligned with the economic and regulatory challenges the Renewable Energy sector faces today." says Olivier Puit, Managing Director, Alpiq Energie France.