Technologies for Integrating Wind Farms to the Grid (interim Report) Executive Summary

The work described in this report was carried out under contract as part of the DTI Technology Programme: New and Renewable Energy, which is managed by Future Energy Solutions. The views and judgements expressed in this report are those of the contractor and do not necessarily reflect those of the DTI or Future Energy Solutions. This report discusses possible technologies for enabling the integration of wind farms into the power supply network. The capabilities of each technology in complying with the requirements set by the Grid Code are analysed. Subsequent reports associated with this project will establish the effect of a STATCOM to enable a grid connection of wind farms to the National Grid power supply network. Background of the work The Government has set targets for the UK to generate 10% of electrical energy from renewable sources by 2010, 15% by 2015, with aspirations of 20% by 2020. By 2050 there is a further aspirational goal to reduce emissions by 60% against a baseline year of 1990. Drivers behind this policy include the UK's obligations within the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, the Kyoto Protocol, carbon reduction measures set by the EU and the enhancement of security of energy supply within the UK. The UK possesses a third of the EU's potential for offshore wind generation, yet in 2000 renewables supplied only 1.3% of the UK's electricity compared with 16.7% in Denmark and 3.2% in Germany. In order to help facilitate the Government targets from renewable sources, the UK Renewables Obligation and the Climate Change Levy together will provide the renewables industry with £1billion/year of support. To meet the Government's aspiration to reduce CO 2 emissions, a penetration of 25% to 35% renewables will be required. As the total installed capacity of wind farms increases, the reliable and secure operation of the electrical power transmission network needs careful consideration. Hitherto, wind farms were considered essentially as negative loads which did not contribute to voltage or frequency support. However, for wind energy to become a substantial quantity within the British generation portfolio, the technical capabilities of wind farms need to be enhanced. Grid Code compliance is a necessity and further research and development is needed to fully ensure that wind farm designs meet the requirements specified by the GB Grid Code. To illustrate the technical challenges of integrating large wind farms into the network, an analysis of the …