The impact of variable renewable energy resources on power system reliability

Transitioning the electric power sector to rely more on wind and solar photovoltaics (WPV) has long been cited as a potential solution reducing harmful greenhouse gas emissions associated with fossil fuel electricity production. An under-explored implication of this transition, however, is whether increasing amount net generation supplied by WPV negatively impacts system reliability? In paper, we empirically investigate preceding question using an unbalanced panel dataset utility-scale operations between 2013 2017. Disruptions in reliability are measured frequency duration disruptions experienced end-consumers. Results suggest from WPV, average, significant positive impact length experienced, but only at low levels WPV. As increases, decreases. To provide insight into policy implications these results, forecast reliability, assuming different renewable energy scenarios for states across United States active support policies place. We estimate economic costs forecasted open-source, interruption cost calculator.