Empowering Variable Renewables: Options for Flexible Electricity Systems
Executive Summary
Increasing the share of renewables in energy portfolios is essential for reducing global CO2 emissions. Variable renewables like wind, wave, tidal, solar, and run-of-river hydro have a characteristic variability that poses challenges for their integration into power systems. However, a flexible electricity system can mitigate these challenges by responding reliably to fluctuations in supply and demand.
Introduction
The International Energy Agency (IEA) was tasked by the G8 to investigate options for facilitating the grid integration of renewable energy. This paper focuses on measures to enhance the flexibility of power systems, enabling them to operate effectively with significant shares of variable renewable electricity.
Variable Renewable Electricity Technologies
Variable renewable electricity technologies include wind, wave, tidal, solar, and run-of-river hydro. These technologies have a characteristic variability that can be mitigated through various strategies.
Factors with a Smoothing Effect on Variability
Several factors can smooth out the variability of renewable energy sources:
- Storage: Utilizing storage solutions such as batteries or pumped hydro storage.
- Demand-side management: Adjusting electricity usage based on supply and demand.
- Forecasting: Improving forecasts to better predict renewable energy output.
Power System Flexibility
Assessing flexibility involves evaluating the system's ability to handle large fluctuations in supply and demand. This includes:
- Generation portfolio: Diversifying the mix of power sources.
- Markets: Enhancing trading mechanisms to better match supply and demand.
- Transmission and distribution: Optimizing the use of existing infrastructure.
Operational Measures to Increase Flexibility
Various operational measures can be implemented to increase system flexibility:
- Aggregating power systems: Combining different regions to balance supply and demand.
- Trading closer to real time: Enhancing market mechanisms to respond quickly to changes.
- Demand-side management and response: Engaging consumers to adjust their usage based on system needs.
Transmission and Distribution
Optimizing the use of transmission capacity and intelligent network operations can improve system flexibility:
- Optimal use of transmission capacity: Maximizing the efficiency of existing infrastructure.
- Intelligent network operation: Using advanced technologies to manage the grid more effectively.
- New transmission technologies: Developing and implementing new technologies to enhance grid capabilities.
Conclusions
Modernizing electricity systems to accommodate higher shares of variable renewable energy is crucial. By implementing these strategies, power systems can become more flexible and reliable, supporting the transition to a low-carbon future.
Bibliography
A detailed list of references is provided for further reading.
