Integrating large shares of wind energy in macro-economical cost-effective way

The intermittent nature of wind energy poses questions on how electricity production can match the demand. The present paper analyses possible ways of achieving this goal when a large share of the energy is provided by wind. The study considers a certain share of wind energy as a target to be reached, and analyses different avenues for reaching such a target. The possible role of electricity energy storage, wind curtailment and transmission grid reinforcement is highlighted and discussed. The results show that above a certain percentage of electricity produced by wind, electricity storage becomes an economical option for integrating wind energy by reducing wind curtailments. Also, the synergy of storage and grid interconnections is highlighted.

► Analysis of production and demand mismatch, for different wind penetration. ► Possible ways of meeting demand and production, without smart grids. ► Identification of trade-off between wind curtailment, grid extension and storage. ► Cost-effective combination of storage, new grids, and wind curtailment.