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.

Sub-Surface Pumped Hydroelectric Storage

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Another interesting concept being considered is to locate one or both reservoirs below ground (sub-surface).

Another Proposed Mine Conversion to Pumped Storage: Marmora

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A proposal by Northland Power for a project in Ontario, Canada.

Germany Is Converting a Coal Mine Into a Massive Renewable Energy Battery

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David Nield

Gemany is turning one of its old coal mines into a giant ‘battery station’ that will store hydroelectric power and provide energy to around 400,000 homes, with hopes of launching similar facilities across the country in the coming years.

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Denmark’s Agricco: History’s First Interconnected Wind Turbine

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Paul Gipe

In 1919 the utility installed a wind turbine at Buddinge and connected it to its lines—a first worldwide, a full two decades before the Smith-Putnam machine in Vermont was connected to the grid.

Dispelling the nuclear ‘baseload’ myth: nothing renewables can’t do better!

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Mark Diesendorf

But not only can renewables supply baseload power, they can do something far more valuable: supply power flexibly according to demand. Now nuclear power really is redundant.

Grid Integration of Renewable Energy: Flexibility, Innovation, Experience

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Eric Martinot

Experience with measures and innovations for grid integration in all these categories is given, from several jurisdictions like Germany, Denmark, and California, where renewables already provide 20-40% shares of electricity and plans to reach 50% exist.