VRE Tutorial: Lessons Learned from Grid Integration of Variable Renewable Energies

Lecture 1 (45 min.)
Lessons learned from Grid Integration of VRE: Activities in 20 Countries
Thomas Ackermann (Energynautics, Germany)

Thomas Ackermann will share his experiences of 25 years of world-wide work in the area of grid integration of renewables and electric vehicles. The presentation will give an overview of challenges and lessons learned.

Discussion &  Short Break (15 min)

Lecture 2 (45 min.)
Operating Power Systems with High Shares of Variable Renewable Energy
Leonard Hülsmann (Energynautics, Germany)

As renewable energy sources continue to grow and take on a leading role in power generation, operating power systems with high shares of variable resources presents both technical and operational challenges. This lecture will provide insights into recent international experiences, focusing on strategies for maintaining system stability and reliability under conditions of high variability and uncertainty. Drawing on practical projects and studies, Leonard Hülsmann will highlight key lessons, emerging approaches, and the tools system operators can use to ensure secure and efficient grid operation in a future with ever-increasing shares of wind and solar power.

Discussion &  Short Break (15 min)

Coffee Break

Lecture 3 (45 min.)
Lessons Learned from Grid Integration of VRE: Resource Adequacy and System Balancing
Debra Lew (ESIG, USA)

Variable renewable energy resources create challenges for utilities to meet resource adequacy requirements because VRE may not be coincident with system peak demand and VRE output during system peak periods varies inter-annually. We discuss how methods for determining resource adequacy may need to be modified to consider high penetrations of VRE. High penetrations of VRE can contribute significant variability and uncertainty to the system operators‘ responsibility of balancing the system. In this lecture, we cover many mitigation options for system balancing and considerations that each utility must undertake to determine what makes the most sense for their system.

Discussion &  Short Break (15 min)

Lunch