R&D Requirements for Integration of Wind Generation

Conventional power systems have been planned with dispatchable generation using deterministic planning and operating methods and tools since the inception of the industry, with little exception. It now appears that the future power system will need to successfully integrate a high share of non-dispatchable renewable energy whose production exhibits much greater variability and uncertainty than that of conventional energy sources. The need for long distance, high capacity transmission is often greater for integrating the best renewable resources than it is for more conventional resources. Current market structures were not designed with the needs of variable generation in mind, nor were the existing wind forecasting tools. Computational capability is currently limited in its ability to handle the requirements of the new tools and methods required. This paper examines the changes in planning and operating methods and tools necessary to successfully integrate a large share of VG into the power system, and identifies the associated research requirements.