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

Lunch

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.)
Lessons Learned from Grid Integration of VRE: Resource Adequacy and System Balancing
James Okullo (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)

Coffee Break

Lecture 3 (45 min.)
International Experience of Wind and Solar Integration (IEA Wind Task 25)
Hannele Holttinen (recognis, Finland)

TBA

Lecture 4 (45 min.)
Challenges and solutions in Finland’s power system transition
Pauli Partinen (Fingrid, Finland)

Finland’s energy system has taken a significant step towards becoming a converter-dominated system as the number of wind power plants has been rising rapidly. This presents new challenges for both power system operation and planning. This tutorial discusses the issues that Fingrid has observed in its network, both currently and in the future. To mitigate converter-driven stability issues, Fingrid has advanced its modeling capabilities and has required grid-forming operations from new battery energy storage systems. The modeling process, along with examples and grid-forming requirements, is presented.

Discussion &  Short Break (15 min)