Presentation Description: The ambition of the US government to achieve 30 GW of offshore renewables is ambitious but feasible if the correct approach to Transmission Grid evolution is adopted. Detailed power system analysis of the Irish transmission system has been conducted to examine the changes that are required to achieve a target of 80% renewable electricity, with up to 95% of instantaneous energy being served by non-synchronous sources, by 2030. This is a step change in transmission system planning and operation with Ireland leading the way in levels of non-synchronous generation on an island system. A detailed analysis of the technology enablers such as power flow controllers, dynamic line rating, battery storage and demand side response has been conducted. The suitability of these technologies to facilitate the energy transition has been examined with suitable use cases identified. To operate a power system with up to 95% non-synchronous generation requires a step change in how operators in control rooms interact with the grid. No longer can simple merit orders of conventional generation be followed, the complexities of large quantities of renewable generation on the operation of the power system is extensive. Along with forecasting challenges, the stability of the system under such operating parameters must be considered. If the capability of the offshore wind potential is to be unlocked, power system operation must undergo a significant evolution.
Learning Objectives:
An understanding of the challenges and potential solutions to the integration of offshore wind generation from a transmission system perspective.
An understanding of the potential use of new technologies to mitigate the need for increased transmission network build.
An understanding of the challenges of and solutions to operating a power system with high levels of variable renewable generation provided by a former grid control engineer from EirGrid’s (the Irish TSO) National Electricity Control Centre.
