In a first-of-its-kind analysis, NREL researchers examined how various extreme weather events could impact U.S. power system operations when wind and solar are large contributors to the future energy mix. Photo by Zach Shahan/CleanTechnica.
This evolution in both weather and the power grid is raising new questions about the intersection between extreme weather and the electric grid—and how to maintain and enhance grid reliability as the share of weather-driven renewable energy increases. In a first-of-its-kind study, analysts from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory and Sharply Focused modeled scenarios to understand the answers to these questions and change the way we define “extreme weather.
Weather events from the historical data were slotted into two broad categories: 1) “high impact events,” such as cold waves, midlatitude storms, heat waves, and tropical systems; and 2) “events posing planning challenges,” including periods of low renewable energy resource availability and high electricity demand, as well as high resource and low demand.
On the other hand, analysts found that moderately severe, but not extreme, hot/cold weather conditions occurring concurrently with extended periods of low wind and solar resources could be the new “extreme” weather when it comes to the impact to power system operations. System planners, policymakers, and researchers can use the findings to test the weather resilience and resource adequacy of future power system infrastructure. The analysis can also be used to test the performance of integrated resource plans or to explore trade-offs and benefits between different policy options.
Australia Australia Latest News, Australia Australia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Source: NBCNewsHealth - 🏆 707. / 51 Read more »