Research Needs for Realization of Zero-Carbon Power Grids with Selected Case Studies

TL;DR

This paper discusses the technical and economic challenges of achieving zero-carbon power grids with high renewable energy integration, emphasizing system stability, energy storage, and operational strategies through case studies.

Contribution

It identifies key research challenges and presents recent case studies that analyze stability and economics of high VRE power grids, filling literature gaps.

Findings

High VRE levels impact grid stability and economics

Energy storage and demand participation are crucial for stability

Case studies provide practical insights for grid planning

Abstract

The attainment of carbon neutrality requires a research agenda that addresses the technical and economic challenges that will be encountered as we progress toward 100% renewable electricity generation. Increasing proportions of variable renewable energy (VRE) sources (such as wind turbines and photovoltaic systems) render the supply-and-demand balance of VRE-dominated power grids difficult. The operational characteristics and effects of VRE inverters also require attention. Here, we examine the implications of the paradigm shift to carbon neutrality and summarize the associated research challenges in terms of system planning, operation, and sta-bility, and the need for energy storage integration, demand-side participation, distributed con-trol and estimation, and energy sector coupling. We also highlight the existing literature gaps, and our recent studies that can fill in the gaps, thereby facilitating the improvement of grid op-eration and estimation. The numerical results of comparative case studies are also provided on the operational stability and economics of power grids with a high level of VRE sources, assist-ing stakeholders in establishing specific roadmaps and making relevant decisions.