Technical challenges associated with the integration of wind power into power systems

Wind power is going through a very rapid development. It is among the fastest growing power sources in the world, the technology is being developed rapidly and wind power is supplying significant shares of the energy in large regions. The integration of wind power in the power system is now an issue in order to optimize the utilization of the resource and to continue the high rate of installation of wind generating capacity, which is necessary so as to achieve the goals of sustainability and security of supply. This paper presents the main technical challenges that are associated with the integration of wind power into power systems. These challenges include effects of wind power on the power system, the power system operating cost, power quality, power imbalances, power system dynamics, and impacts on transmission planning. The main conclusion is that wind power's impacts on system operating costs are small at low wind penetrations (about 5% or less). At higher wind penetrations, the impact will be higher, although current results suggest the impact remains moderate with penetrations approaching 20%. In addition, the paper presents the technology and expectations of wind forecasting as well as cases where wind power curtailment could arise. Future research directions for a better understanding of the factors influencing the increased integration of wind power into power systems are also provided.