Blackstart

A blackstart is the process of restoring a power plant or section of the grid to operation after a total shutdown, without relying on external power from the wider grid, since a normal restart typically depends on electricity from that same grid. NERC formally requires certain designated generating units to have this capability specifically to support grid restoration after a major blackout.

NERC’s formal term is "Blackstart Resource," referring to the qualifying generating unit itself, rather than a bare "Blackstart" entry.