Integrating wind energy: A roadmap from Alstom Grid

1

Wind energy is a reality, and is now the leading source of variable energy resources as illustrated by a substantial 22% jump in global capacity between 2009 and the end of 2010, says a new study report from Alstom Grid. But utilities, grid operators and regulators are still wrestling with how to integrate it effectively.

The Alstom study, conducted in response to a request from DOE for proposals to meet the challenge of 20% wind energy by 2030, offers a number of key findings and short- to long-term recommendations to achieve that goal. Alstom surveyed 33 electric power system operators in 18 countries about integration, operating policies, successful examples, best practices, lessons learned and decision support tools now in use. The combined wind power capacity referred to in the report accounts for 72% of total installed global capacity.

Here are some of the findings from the report:

·         94% of grid operators say integrating a significant of wind will primarily depend on the accuracy of wind power forecasts (as readers know, wind power is an extremely variable and inconsistent power source)

·         A centralized wind forecasting program is best for reliable grid operations

·         While the Day-Ahead forecast has been the subject of considerable research, work is now underway to improve its accuracy and to come up with more forecast products

·         The same percentage of grid operators – 94% – agree that wind energy integration depends on decision support tools in the control room

·         Grid reliability standards, regulatory policies and laws from the local to the multi-national level affect integration in control room operations – and large-scale integration will depend on operating policies deployed in control rooms

And some recommendations:

·         Short-term recommendations concentrate on forecasting development and implementation and include suggestions for multiple forecasting providers, visualization displays, integration and rapid updating of the forecast, developing a way to monitor operating reserves, management process changes and training

·         Medium term recommendations focus on faster and larger electricity markets, increased transmission capacity, control room dashboards, situational awareness and high wind event warning systems

·         Research recommendations include improved system flexibility, better tools for using probabilistic information, risk-based decision making, continued improvement in centralized forecasting, knowledge management to deal with the aging workforce and more.

For more on the subect ...

Download the Alstom Grid report

Why wind power faces an uncertain future

Big wind, big storage, big deal? Yes!