​Description

As wind and solar photovoltaics account for an increasing share of the generation mix, their intermittency and nondispatchable nature pose challenges for utilities. Output from these renewable resources can rise or drop suddenly, affecting electric power operations by making the balancing of load and generation more difficult to manage. This TechSurveillance article series examines the impacts of variable generation and the options that can help electric cooperatives integrate renewables to their systems in an affordable and reliable manner.

The first article looks at how the issue of 'ramping' occurs from renewables variability and the potential for voltage and frequency transients, phase imbalance, and other issues. The second article discusses options for Generation cooperatives to help mitigate the impacts of ramping, specifically two technologies: new and upgraded equipment for thermal plants and new, more flexible generation. The third article will examine additional options to facilitate safe and affordable integration of renewables, such as energy storage and demand-side management.

Value to Electric Cooperatives

The intermittent nature of renewables has presented operational, reliability, and economic challenges for G&T cooperatives. This article series provides insights about the challenges of utility-scale variable renewable generation and how electric cooperatives are rising to the challenge of mitigating these challenges and support renewables integration to the grid.

Article 1: Variability and Uncertainty in Renewables' Generation Pose Challenges for G&T Cooperatives (October 2016)

Article 2: Integrating Renewables: Fossil Generation Options Available to G&T Cooperatives (March 2017)

Article 3: Several Technical and Economic Options Can Help G&T Electric Cooperatives Integrate Renewable Energy Into the Grid (March 2018)