In the context of redispatch, effectivity refers to the extent to which a flexibility bid within a congestion area contributes to resolving local congestion. Since electricity flows freely across the grid, not every change in consumption or production has the same impact on a specific bottleneck. A solution located physically close to the congested part of the grid will generally have a greater effect than one further away.
Within GOPACS, the effect of a specific bid on the power flow and direction across a congested net element is calculated. A bid with high effectivity – with a value close to or equal to 1 – significantly reduces congestion, while a bid with an effectivity of 0 has no effect. Effectivity is determined in advance by the grid operator using network calculations and is recorded in an effectivity matrix.
To determine which bids are most suitable to resolve congestion, GOPACS takes into account not only the effectivity of a bid, but also its cost. A less effective but cheaper bid may be preferred over a more effective but more expensive one.
An asset close to the bottleneck can reduce 1 MW of congestion with 1 MW of flexibility → effectivity = 1.
An asset further away only reduces 0.25 MW per 1 MW activated → effectivity = 0.25.
If the close-by asset costs €1000 per MW, and the more distant one costs €200 per MW, then the latter would require four times the volume to achieve the same congestion relief.
4 x €200 = €800 → this would be the preferred solution due to its lower total cost.
Effectivity is calculated through so-called load flow calculations. In these calculations, the grid operator considers:
The current topology of the grid (which lines or switches are open or closed),
The direction of electricity flows,
The location of the asset in relation to the congested net element.
The results of these calculations are stored in the effectivity matrix, which is used by the GOPACS algorithm to evaluate and match bids.
If you’re a CSP or asset owner and wish to contribute to redispatch, it’s wise to:
Identify assets with high effectivity – often located near structural bottlenecks,
Register your flexible capacity clearly – with correct EAN codes,
Work with grid operators or use tools that provide insight into effectivity.
