Italian protocol for massive solar integration: From solar imbalance regulation to firm 24/365 solar generation. (May 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Pierro, Marco; Perez, Richard; Perez, Marc; Prina, Matteo Giacomo; Moser, David; Cornaro, Cristina
• Is Part Of: Renewable energy. Volume 169(2021)
• Page Start: 425
• Page End: 436
• Publication Date: 2021-05
• Subjects: Photovoltaic penetration -- Firm PV -- 100% Renewable energy transition -- Power imbalance; Renewable energy sources -- Periodicals; Power resources -- Periodicals; Énergies renouvelables -- Périodiques; Ressources énergétiques -- Périodiques; 333.794
• DOI: 10.1016/j.renene.2021.01.023
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0960-1481

Abstract

Abstract: This work describes a progressive strategy to achieve 100% penetration of intermittent renewables at minimal cost. The strategy works to optimally transform variable renewable energy (RE) into firm, effectively dispatchable generation. This functional dispatchability enables large-scale displacement of conventional generation at equal or lower production cost. By way of this strategy, we delineate a pathway for a full renewable energy transition of the Italian electric mix. In order to achieve 100% renewables in any grid, the fundamental imbalance between the supply of the resource and demand must be alleviated. We propose a transition that starts by addressing net load forecast imbalances resulting from renewables' prediction errors and ends with the transformation of intermittent renewables into firm, effectively dispatchable generation sources. Highlights: A strategy to achieve 100% penetration of renewables at minimal cost is developed. Flexible PV plants are proactively curtailed in tandem with cost-optimized batteries. We delineate a pathway for a full renewable energy transition of Italian electric mix.