Grid Integration
Grid integration of renewable energy, especially wind energy, is a controversial topic–and has been for nearly three decades. Frankly, I think the subject has been beaten to death and for my part the questions answered many times over. Nevertheless, those opposed to renewable energy continually raise the subject in the hopes that this is some silver bullet that will put wind and solar energy in its grave. As a consequence, renewable energy advocates ask me for help to rebut the common myths about wind energy’s “unreliability”. For this reason, I occasionally post articles or reports on the topic of grid integration.
Renewables International: More onshore wind needed
By
Bernard Chabot
French energy expert Bernard Chabot takes a look at German power production over the past 12 months and finds that an increase in onshore wind would make the supply of renewable power more reliable. . .
Renewables International: German grid reaches record reliability in 2011
By
Craig Morris
Last spring, when the German government resolved to shut down eight of the country’s 17 nuclear plants within a week, there was concern about whether the country’s grid would remain reliable. Not only did the country avoid a major blackout during the winter, but its availability actually increased over the average going back to 2006, when reporting began. . .
IPPR: Beyond the bluster: Why wind power is an effective technology
By
It shows unequivocally that wind power can significantly reduce carbon emissions, is reliable, poses no threat to energy security, and is technically capable of providing a significant proportion of the UK’s electricity supply with minimal impact on the existing operation of the grid. . .
Renewables International: How Wind and PV Productivity Complement Each Other
By
Bernard Chabot
French energy expert Bernard Chabot updates his analysis of the German intermittent power sector with data from July. . . the variability of the productivity ratio of the combined [Wind + PV] production is lower than the variability for both wind and PV separate production . . .
Renewables International: From winter to summer: a well balanced and increasing combined [wind + PV] production in Germany
By
Bernard Chabot
French energy expert Bernard Chabot investigates the changes in wholesale power prices in Germany stemming from the increase in green power production. . .
Renewables International: German wind and PV lower European market power prices
By
Bernard Chabot
In countries with a large penetration rate of zero fuel cost renewables (wind power in Denmark and Spain, wind and PV in Germany), the “merit-order effect” (avoiding the most costly means of power production to cover peak loads) is already well documented. In this article, French expert Bernard Chabot shows how the penetration rate of combined wind and PV production in Germany already lowers the European Electricity Index (ELIX) for electricity markets in Germany/Austria, France and Switzerland. . .
