Reservvõimsus

Reservvõimsus is an Estonian term that translates to "reserve capacity" or "reserve power." It refers to the extra power generating capacity that an electricity system can bring online quickly to meet unexpected surges in demand or to compensate for the sudden loss of a generating unit. Maintaining adequate reservvõimsus is crucial for ensuring the reliability and stability of the electricity grid.

In essence, reservvõimsus acts as a buffer. When electricity demand suddenly increases, such as during a heatwave when many air conditioners are turned on, or during a cold snap when heating systems are heavily used, the existing generating capacity might not be sufficient. Reservvõimsus allows the grid operator to quickly dispatch additional power to prevent blackouts or voltage drops. Similarly, if a power plant unexpectedly goes offline for maintenance or due to a malfunction, reservvõimsus can be activated to cover the shortfall and maintain a balance between supply and demand.

The types of power sources used for reservvõimsus can vary. They often include fast-starting fossil fuel power plants, hydroelectric plants with adjustable turbines, and increasingly, battery storage systems. The ability to deploy this reserve capacity rapidly is a key characteristic, distinguishing it from the base load power that is consistently available. The cost of maintaining reservvõimsus is a significant consideration for electricity system operators, as these power sources may not be operating at full capacity for much of the time.