sources of variability in an electric system exist, including:

• System loads (customers)

• Variable generators (wind and solar)

• Schedule and dispatch errors

• System outages.

According to the DOE research, the key to balancing these sources of

Spain

44,000

17,000

10,000

23%

59%

7%

20,000

Germany

78,000

38,000

18,000

23%

47%

5.5%

25,000

Ireland

4,800

1,800

600

12%

33%

6%

1,200

 

variability are the inherent sources of flexibility within that same system: dispatchable generators, dispatchable loads and energy storage.

The solution is for system operators to use the inherent system flexibility to match the variability in the system at a given time, something they already

do on a continual basis. Because wind power has limited dispatchability and has a variable output over time, to accommodate higher wind penetration levels system operators may find it useful to take steps to increase their system’s flexibility or manage the variability of wind. As pointed out in the recent DOE work, a number of options exist to give system operators the tools they need to integrate larger amounts of wind power. These solutions and tools include:

• Reducing wind variability through accurate forecasting, wind output management and wind curtailment.

•Utilizing grid flexibility through existing flexible generation, balancing aggregation, markets and contracts, demand response and energy storage.

Is Energy Storage the Key?

Some people question whether energy storage must be developed before large amounts of wind power can be added to the energy mix. The answer is “not

 

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