Design and Operation of Energy Systems with Large Amounts of Variable Generation

This article highlights key themes from the IEA Wind TCP Task 25 report, which compiles state-of-the-art experiences and study results relating to four challenges for energy systems around the world with growing shares of variable renewable generation. First is the planning challenge, which focuses on how to plan for the long-term adequacy of transmission grids and generation capacity. Second and third are the inter-linked balancing and stability challenges, which focus on how to manage the operations of power systems, including issues like minimizing uneconomic curtailment and providing system support from wind power plants. Fourth is the market challenge, which focuses on how to increase the value of wind energy in future energy systems and improve operational practices and flexibility.