Integrating Fast Frequency Response Ancillary Services: A Global Review of Technical, Procurement, and Market Integration Challenges

This paper explores the growing need for fast frequency response services in power systems that increasingly rely on renewable energy sources. As the integration of wind and solar energy continues to displace conventional generators, the reduction in system inertia leads to significant frequency stability challenges, particularly after disturbances. This issue is exacerbated by the inability of renewable generators to provide sufficient frequency control, necessitating the development of new, fast-acting solutions to stabilise the grid. In this context, the paper offers a comprehensive review of the technical and economic aspects of fast frequency response services, focusing on their role in addressing the unique challenges posed by low-inertia grids. It highlights the critical role of energy storage technologies in providing rapid frequency stabilisation and examines how various global energy markets approach the procurement and remuneration of these services. A key finding of this review, based on an extensive review and analysis of the literature, is that under certain market conditions, such as reduced ancillary service delivery speed, compulsory procurement based on service utilisation, and marginal pric- ing of the system, both system operators and service providers are sufficiently incentivised to provide fast frequency ancillary services, thus enabling greater penetration of these services. The review also identifies key knowledge gaps and market barriers that hinder the widespread adoption of fast frequency response services. It concludes with strategic recommendations for policymakers, engineers, and market operators to enhance the deployment and efficiency of en- ergy storage-based solutions in modern power systems.