Ancillary Services for Power - Global Strategic Business Report

The global market for Ancillary Services for Power was estimated at US$9.0 Billion in 2024 and is projected to reach US$13.5 Billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 6.9% from 2024 to 2030. This comprehensive report provides an in-depth analysis of market trends, drivers, and forecasts, helping you make informed business decisions. The report includes the most recent global tariff developments and how they impact the Ancillary Services for Power market.

Global Ancillary Services for Power Market - Key Trends & Drivers Summarized

Why Are Ancillary Services Becoming Critical for Power Grid Stability in an Era of Renewable Integration?

Ancillary services are gaining strategic importance in power markets worldwide as grid operators grapple with the variability and decentralization introduced by large-scale renewable energy adoption. These services encompassing frequency regulation, voltage control, spinning and non-spinning reserves, black start capability, and reactive power support are essential for maintaining grid reliability, operational security, and power quality. As solar, wind, and other intermittent sources replace traditional synchronous generators, the inherent inertia and reactive power support once provided by thermal plants is diminishing, creating a gap that must be filled by fast-responding, flexible ancillary service resources. Grid operators are increasingly relying on advanced technologies such as battery energy storage systems (BESS), demand response programs, and fast-ramping gas turbines to meet these needs in real time.

The global push toward decarbonization and energy transition is accelerating the demand for ancillary services as renewable penetration crosses thresholds where traditional grid balancing methods become insufficient. Markets like the U.S., Germany, Australia, and parts of China are witnessing a paradigm shift where non-traditional assets such as distributed energy resources (DERs), aggregated virtual power plants (VPPs), and inverter-based technologies are actively participating in ancillary service markets. This shift reflects a structural evolution in grid operations, from centralized dispatch to decentralized, dynamic balancing mechanisms. As the generation fleet transforms and energy market structures evolve, ancillary services are no longer viewed as peripheral support they are becoming the backbone of modern, renewables-heavy power systems.

How Are Market Design and Technology Advancements Transforming Ancillary Services Procurement?

Market liberalization, real-time trading platforms, and updated grid codes are redefining how ancillary services are procured, priced, and delivered. Many system operators are moving toward unbundled, market-based procurement models that allow a wider array of participants beyond traditional generators to bid into ancillary service markets. These reforms are enabling independent power producers (IPPs), industrial consumers, battery operators, and aggregator platforms to monetize grid support capabilities in response to dynamic pricing signals. Real-time balancing markets, frequency containment reserves (FCR), and fast frequency response (FFR) schemes are gaining traction, particularly in regions with high renewable shares. Time-of-use compensation, performance-based payments, and multi-product bidding structures are further enhancing economic viability for ancillary service providers.

Technological progress is also expanding the types of assets that can contribute to ancillary services. Utility-scale BESS, with sub-second response times and modular deployment, are being deployed for frequency regulation, voltage support, and spinning reserve substitution. Advanced inverter controls on solar PV systems and wind farms are enabling synthetic inertia and reactive power injection functions once exclusive to fossil fuel plants. Artificial intelligence (AI) and predictive analytics are improving system operators’ ability to forecast imbalances and dispatch resources proactively. Moreover, distributed demand-side resources such as smart thermostats, EV charging stations, and industrial loads are being aggregated and orchestrated via energy management systems to provide responsive capacity on par with traditional assets. These market and technology innovations are broadening the ancillary services supply base while increasing flexibility, speed, and cost-efficiency in grid balancing.

Where Is Demand Accelerating and Which Resource Types Are Gaining Market Share?

Demand for ancillary services is accelerating most rapidly in regions experiencing high renewable penetration, aging grid infrastructure, or increasing electrification of transport and heating. In the United States, regional transmission organizations (RTOs) and independent system operators (ISOs) like PJM, CAISO, and ERCOT are expanding ancillary service programs to accommodate variable renewable generation and manage load ramping challenges. In Europe, countries such as Germany, the U.K., and Denmark are integrating BESS and distributed flexibility into ancillary frameworks to stabilize their increasingly wind- and solar-dominated grids. Australia's National Electricity Market (NEM) is also emerging as a benchmark for incorporating fast frequency response and battery-backed inertia solutions into ancillary markets.

Battery energy storage is the fastest-growing resource type in ancillary services, particularly for frequency regulation, fast reserves, and inertia substitution. Lithium-ion battery deployments are being optimized to participate in multiple value streams, including energy arbitrage and ancillary services stacking. Gas peakers and hybrid gas-plus-storage systems continue to play a role in providing contingency and ramping reserves, especially in regions with limited storage penetration. Wind and solar operators are increasingly being required or incentivized through grid codes to provide synthetic inertia, voltage ride-through, and reactive power support using power electronics. Additionally, demand-side participation via aggregators and industrial flexibility providers is gaining traction in delivering non-spinning reserves and primary frequency response, particularly during grid stress events. As regulatory frameworks mature and interoperability improves, the pool of ancillary service contributors is becoming more diverse, modular, and real-time responsive.

What Is Driving the Global Expansion of the Ancillary Services for Power Market?

The growth in the ancillary services for power market is driven by several factors, including rising renewable penetration, grid modernization imperatives, and the evolution of energy markets toward flexibility and decentralization. One of the most critical drivers is the declining inertia and dispatchability of power systems due to the replacement of traditional baseload plants with intermittent renewable energy. This shift is creating a structural need for fast-acting, digitally orchestrated services to maintain system stability and reliability. At the same time, the proliferation of distributed energy resources (DERs) and smart grid technologies is enabling more granular, dynamic participation in ancillary markets, opening new monetization channels for flexible assets.

Policy support and regulatory reform are also accelerating market development. Governments and system operators are updating grid codes, introducing capacity payment mechanisms, and creating co-optimized markets where energy and ancillary services are procured together. Investments in digital infrastructure, AI-enabled grid forecasting, and energy storage deployment are further enhancing the precision and responsiveness of ancillary services. Moreover, the global electrification push including electric vehicles, heat pumps, and industrial electrification is amplifying grid volatility, thereby increasing the need for advanced ancillary capabilities. As these drivers converge, the ancillary services market is transitioning from a hidden operational layer to a high-value, strategically critical segment of the power system raising the question:Can ancillary services evolve quickly enough to anchor the stability of tomorrow's decentralized, decarbonized electricity grids?

Key Insights:

• Market Growth: Understand the significant growth trajectory of the Frequency Controlled Ancillary Services segment, which is expected to reach US$8.7 Billion by 2030 with a CAGR of a 8.2%. The Network Controlled Ancillary Services segment is also set to grow at 4.5% CAGR over the analysis period.
• Regional Analysis: Gain insights into the U.S. market, valued at $2.5 Billion in 2024, and China, forecasted to grow at an impressive 11.1% CAGR to reach $2.8 Billion by 2030. Discover growth trends in other key regions, including Japan, Canada, Germany, and the Asia-Pacific.

Why You Should Buy This Report:

• Detailed Market Analysis: Access a thorough analysis of the Global Ancillary Services for Power Market, covering all major geographic regions and market segments.
• Competitive Insights: Get an overview of the competitive landscape, including the market presence of major players across different geographies.
• Future Trends and Drivers: Understand the key trends and drivers shaping the future of the Global Ancillary Services for Power Market.
• Actionable Insights: Benefit from actionable insights that can help you identify new revenue opportunities and make strategic business decisions.

Key Questions Answered:

• How is the Global Ancillary Services for Power Market expected to evolve by 2030?
• What are the main drivers and restraints affecting the market?
• Which market segments will grow the most over the forecast period?
• How will market shares for different regions and segments change by 2030?
• Who are the leading players in the market, and what are their prospects?

Report Features:

• Comprehensive Market Data: Independent analysis of annual sales and market forecasts in US$ Million from 2024 to 2030.
• In-Depth Regional Analysis: Detailed insights into key markets, including the U.S., China, Japan, Canada, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, Middle East, and Africa.
• Company Profiles: Coverage of players such as ABB Ltd., AES Corporation, Alberta Electric System Operator, California Independent System Operator (CAISO), and more.
• Complimentary Updates: Receive free report updates for one year to keep you informed of the latest market developments.

Some of the 43 companies featured in this Ancillary Services for Power market report include:

• ABB Ltd.
• AES Corporation
• Alberta Electric System Operator
• California Independent System Operator (CAISO)
• Dominion Energy, Inc.
• Duke Energy Corporation
• EDF Energy
• Elia Group
• Enel S.p.A.
• Energinet
• Engie SA
• ERCOT (Electric Reliability Council of Texas)
• Exelon Corporation
• General Electric Company
• Hitachi Energy
• Iberdrola S.A.
• Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO)
• Invenergy
• ISO New England (ISO-NE)
• Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO)

This edition integrates the latest global trade and economic shifts as of June 2025 into comprehensive market analysis. Key updates include:

• Tariff and Trade Impact: Insights into global tariff negotiations across 180+ countries, with analysis of supply chain turbulence, sourcing disruptions, and geographic realignment. Special focus on 2025 as a pivotal year for trade tensions, including updated perspectives on the Trump-era tariffs.
• Adjusted Forecasts and Analytics: Revised global and regional market forecasts through 2030, incorporating tariff effects, economic uncertainty, and structural changes in globalization. Includes segmentation by product, technology, type, material, distribution channel, application, and end-use, with historical analysis since 2015.
• Strategic Market Dynamics: Evaluation of revised market prospects, regional outlooks, and key economic indicators such as population and urbanization trends.
• Innovation & Technology Trends: Latest developments in product and process innovation, emerging technologies, and key industry drivers shaping the competitive landscape.
• Competitive Intelligence: Updated global market share estimates for 2025, competitive positioning of major players (Strong/Active/Niche/Trivial), and refined focus on leading global brands and core players.
• Expert Insight & Commentary: Strategic analysis from economists, trade experts, and domain specialists to contextualize market shifts and identify emerging opportunities.
• Complimentary Update: Buyers receive a free July 2025 update with finalized tariff impacts, new trade agreement effects, revised projections, and expanded country-level coverage.