Market-based procurement of black start capability

When is black start capability needed?

In the event of a large-scale power outage, each transmission system operator (TSO) responsible for the control area has a so-called grid restoration plan in accordance with "Commission Regulation (EU) 2017/2196 of November 24, 2017, establishing a network code on the state of emergency and restoration of the transmission system". The grid restoration plan describes how the transmission grid can be gradually energized in the event of a large-scale power outage using a grid restoration strategy. Grid restoration requires black-start capable power generation systems (black-start units) that can independently energize a predefined part of the power network without an external power supply. In addition, black start units must be able to supply power and regulate the grid frequency and voltage. 

How is black start capability procured?

In the past, black start facilities were contracted by the TSOs as part of bilateral contracts with operators of black start facilities. In accordance with Section 12h EnWG, black start capability must now be procured by the TSOs as a non-frequency-bound system service in a transparent, non-discriminatory and market-based procedure. The framework conditions for the procurement procedures were announced at the beginning of 2023 with the Federal Network Agency's BK6-21-023. The basic prerequisite for participation in market-based procurement is that suppliers meet the technical and organizational requirements in accordance with BK6-18-249. The market-based procurement of black start capability is carried out region by region and staggered over time. A period of several years is planned between the time at which a provider is awarded the contract and the start of the provision period. This means that providers with existing systems that are not yet black-start capable, as well as new systems, can also participate in the tenders. The upgrading or construction of the plants by the plant operator must then be completed by the start of the provision period at the latest after the award of the contract.

Procurement schedule

The following procurement regions were formed for the procurement of black start capability (as at 01/2024):

An allocation of substations to the expected procurement regions can be viewed here.

The phasing of the procurement is currently planned as follows:

The above information represents the current, non-binding planning status as of February 14, 2025 and will be updated as required.

Announcement of the procurement

On 12.01.2024, all four TSOs opened procedures for the procurement of the non-frequency-based system service “black start capability” for the first procurement regions for the first time. Detailed information on the respective procurement procedures can be found on the following websites of the individual TSOs:

• 50Hertz Transmission GmbH
• TenneT TSO GmbH
• Amprion GmbH
• TransnetBW GmbH

Q&A on the black start capability procurement procedure

On this page, the 4ÜNB publish answers to provider questions of general interest in anonymized form on a regular basis. Provider questions can be addressed to the network operators using the contact details below. Please note the deadlines of the respective procurement procedure for submitting supplier questions.

The provider questions are published in tabular form, with new publications including past questions and answers. Past answers are supplemented in new publications if necessary, and this is then indicated separately.

• Ninth publication of the supplier questions on 02.12.2024. - Q&A - Procurement procedure for black start capability

Further information

• BK6-18-249 Approval of the proposal of the German transmission system operators (TSOs) for the terms and conditions for restoration service provider pursuant to Art. 4 (4) of Regulation (EU) 2017/2196 (E&R Regulation)
  • in particular the technical and organizational requirements: Modalities for providers of ancillary services for grid restoration
• BK6-21-023 Definition of the specifications and technical requirements for the transparent, non-discriminatory and market-based procurement of the non-frequency ancillary service "black start capability"
• Please consider these documents are available in german language only. 

Contact to the TSOs

For questions regarding the market-based procurement of black start capability, interested providers are welcome to contact the responsible TSO: