What is the aFRR obligation and who does it apply to?

aFRR (automatic frequency restoration reserve) is a system-level service operated by MAVIR (the Hungarian transmission system operator): through it, the system operator can balance deviations between generation and consumption within seconds. The accreditation obligation is not uniform; it depends on size and technology. For solar power plants, MAVIR’s operating code ties it to the categories defined in the RfG: a category C unit between 5 and 25 MW must be made capable of providing aFRR by the time of commissioning, while in category B, between 0.5 and 5 MW, the capability is optional (mFRR or aFRR). For battery storage the threshold is stricter: accreditation is mandatory from 0.2 MW of charging or discharging power. MAVIR can curtail an accredited unit, for which compensation is paid. A separate issue is the 30% storage capacity obligation — 30% of the PV’s rated power, at least 0.6 MWh/MW — which is currently suspended, but the suspension can be revoked. The specific obligation must always be determined based on the connection point and the power.