The second edition of the Wind Energy Workshops have ended. The Workshops is the first event in Poland where one may learn practical information on wind farm management in the power system.
‘The fundamental purpose of our workshops was to present European experience in the area of connection of wind farms and operation of power grids with high amount of energy from wind farms using modern tools and integrated solutions’ , said Krzysztof Prasałek, President of the Polish Wind Energy Association.
Welcoming the guests the PWEA President stressed that the Workshops are a perfect place to present foreign experiences, demonstrating that proven, problem-free solutions to integrate wind energy in power systems do exist.
Experience of countries such as Germany, Denmark or Spain presented by speakers demonstrates that wind power may not only operate in the grid without disturbance and collaborate with other sources, but also contribute to the improvement of operational safety of the power grid. Juan Peiró from Red Eléctrica de España (the Spanish transmission system operator) discussed issues related to wind energy integration with the Spanish power system, primarily focusing on the role of CECRE. CECRE (Control Centre of Renewable Energies) is a pioneer initiative that enables RES management in a way ensuring maximum share of renewable sources in energy production while maintaining operational safety of the system.
Peter Jørgensen from Energinet.dk (the Danish power and gas transmission system operator, responsible for security of supply and market operation) presented wind energy development plans for Denmark: in 2011 the share of the industry amounted to 28%; currently Denmark is preparing to achieve 50% in 2020.Peter presented how the Danes balance renewable energy today and how wind energy may contribute to system balancing, and discussed instruments supporting effective integration of large amount of variable energy from renewable sources in the power system. A comprehensive look on the market, regulations and technological challenges in a system where wind is the main energy source was presented by Ivan Kristian Pedersen from Dong Energy. He discussed the Power Hub idea, perceived as one of the leading Virtual Power Plant (VPP) solutions in Europe.
Professor Konrad Świrski from the Warsaw University of Technology made a valuable contribution with a presentation on the future of wind farms. In the professor’s opinion to properly use wind energy the best solution is to employ wind farms in integrated structures of energy groups. An academic voice in the discussion was also presented by professor Piotr Kacejko and dr Michał Wydra from the Lublin University of Technology, who presented the results of works on a project entitled “Optimum wind farm power control system for limited power grid transmission capacity”. They discussed a tool allowing for the modelling of a number of power system management measures which enables testing of many solutions in the area of grid operation modelling, grid estimation or new data transmission and exchange ideas.
A representative of the Polish Transmission System Operator, PSE – Operator, Mr. Jerzy Dudzik also made a presentation during the Workshops and discussed the National Power System balancing issues with high wind generation. Mr. Dudzik stressed that one shall implement an effective system for the management of energy production from wind sources (with relevant legal basis) in the area of introduction and settlement of curtailment ordered by the TSO. Participant of the Workshops also had an opportunity to listen to Ms. Hanna Emanuel (Enercon), who presented wind energy integration with smart grids and power system stabilitsation.
‘Construction of an increasing number of new wind farms, hence the operation of wind farms in the power system results in controversies among market participants. By organising the Workshops we not only enabled a broader discussion, but also commenced one pertaining to the development of common solutions. The Workshops were a full success, what is proven by very high attendance’, Krzysztof Prasałek added.
The Workshops were attended by almost 100 persons, including representatives of the wind energy sector, the transmission system operator and distribution system operators, the Energy Regulatory Office, Ministry of Economy and the science sector.