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.

Hart & Jacobson: A Monte Carlo Approach to Generator Portfolio Planning and Carbon Emissions Assessments of Systems with Large Penetrations of Variable Renewables

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A low carbon portfolio is produced for this system that is capable of achieving an 80% reduction in electric power sector carbon emissions from 2005 levels and supplying over 99% of the annual delivered load with non-carbon sources. . .

Wind Power [Grid Integration] Myths Debunked by IEEE Power & Energy Magazine

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Several misunderstandings and myths have arisen due to the characteristics of wind generation, particularly because wind-energy generation only occurs when the wind is blowing. . .

Wind Power’s Displacement of Fossil Fuels by Charles Komanoff

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Charles Komanoff

[W]hen wind turbines are operated as parts of an interconnected grid for which the dominant share of energy is provided by generators burning fossil fuels (coal, oil, natural gas), wind power generation displaces fossil fuel use at a nearly 1-for-1 rate. . .

Some economic aspects of feed-in tariffs and green certificate schemes

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Arne Kildegaard

Arne Kildegaard on the Merit Order Effect

Towards High Penetration Rates of Renewable Electricity: Solutions, Results of Experience

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Bernard Chabot

Presentation on Integrating Renewable Electricity into the Grid by a French authority on renewable energy. Chabot’s conclusion: Think Big! We already have the technology we need to go to 100% RE.