Solar Energy News
SOLAR DAILY
High renewable energy penetration reduces blackout impact
illustration only
High renewable energy penetration reduces blackout impact
by Sophie Jenkins
London, UK (SPX) Nov 07, 2024

New research has revealed that power grids with significant use of weather-dependent renewable energy sources (WD-RESs), such as wind and solar, tend to experience lower intensity blackouts. This comes as positive news as nations worldwide strive to meet ambitious climate targets.

Published in 'Nature Energy', this study analyzed data from U.S. blackouts between 2001 and 2020, offering insights relevant to countries transitioning their power grids toward high WD-RES reliance. In Ireland, for instance, renewable energy accounted for 38.9% of electricity generated in 2023, a figure projected to rise above 70% by 2030.

Discussions about the reliability of renewable energy in the global energy transition have often highlighted concerns over fluctuations. However, the study sheds new light on the debate. Jin Zhao, Assistant Professor at Trinity College Dublin's School of Engineering and the study's lead author, stated, "Some have claimed that unstable RESs are responsible for increasing power grid unreliability under extreme climate conditions, whereas others have argued that wind and solar generation tend to be available even during extreme weather."

The research counters the idea that high penetration of renewable energy sources increases blackout risks. Instead, it demonstrated that while extreme weather can heighten a system's vulnerability, WD-RESs do not exacerbate blackout occurrences or severity due to weather. Grids with substantial WD-RES integration actually showed reduced blackout intensity, assessed by the number of impacted customers, the scale of demand loss, and blackout duration.

Zhao further commented, "The major take-home message here is that WD-RESs are not the main culprit for blackouts during extreme weather events and the higher penetration grids tend to experience lower blackout intensities when they do occur."

This finding holds particular promise for Ireland, despite being a lower-inertia island grid potentially more susceptible to disruptions compared to larger, interconnected systems like those in the US and continental Europe. Zhao added that the next step involves focused research on Ireland's unique power system, supported by newly secured funding.

Research Report:Weather-sensitive renewable energy sources do not subject power systems to blackouts

Related Links
Trinity College Dublin
All About Solar Energy at SolarDaily.com

Subscribe Free To Our Daily Newsletters
Tweet

RELATED CONTENT
The following news reports may link to other Space Media Network websites.
SOLAR DAILY
UK clean power by 2030? Achievable but challenging, says report
London (AFP) Nov 5, 2024
The UK Labour government's intention to decarbonise the country's power grid by the end of the decade is a "huge challenge" but "achievable", according to a report published on Tuesday. Prime Minister Keir Starmer's pledge is seen as crucial to Britain meeting its legal obligation of reaching net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 to combat climate change. - What has Labour promised? - Labour promised at the election in July to deliver "zero carbon electricity by 2030". It means the p ... read more

SOLAR DAILY
Waste heat from London sewers eyed to warm UK parliament

Bio-based fibers may have greater environmental impact than traditional plastics

Cobalt copper tandem catalysts transform CO2 into renewable ethanol

Sacred cow: coal-hungry India eyes bioenergy to cut carbon

SOLAR DAILY
First artwork by humanoid robot sells for over $1.0 million

Saab deploys advanced autonomous swarm tech in major AUKUS defense trial

Robot learns flexible cleaning skills by observing humans

3D-printed rovers challenge students in Mars exploration training

SOLAR DAILY
Sweden blocks 13 offshore wind farms over defence concerns

Sweden's defence concerned by planned offshore wind power

On US coast, wind power foes embrace 'Save the Whales' argument

Renewables revolt in Sardinia, Italy's coal-fired island

SOLAR DAILY
Bentley pushes back target of all-electric luxury cars to 2035

BMW's profits plunge as China sales slump

Paris banishes through-traffic from city centre

Norway speeds ahead of EU in race for fossil-free roads

SOLAR DAILY
NASA opens Power Systems essay contest for K12 students

Silk Thread Innovation Powers Smart Textile Technology

Direct Observation of Space Charge Layers Inside Fuel Cell Electrolytes

In search of high-performance materials for fusion reactors

SOLAR DAILY
Rwanda counting on Russia to train nuclear power specialists

Building the materials for the next generation of nuclear reactor

Framatome opens new Italian offices to bolster European nuclear energy growth

Small modular nuclear reactors may drive US energy and emissions progress

SOLAR DAILY
The refrigerator as an indicator of societal progress

China passes energy law to 'promote carbon neutrality'

Brazil raises target for cutting greenhouse gas emissions

France, Barbados, Kenya urge global levies to tackle climate change

SOLAR DAILY
How urban planners can use trees to cool entire cities

Indonesia tribe's homeland at risk after losing final appeal: NGOs

Indigenous burning key to protecting Australia's forests for Millennia until now

Veea Amazon and AECOM partner to build the Internet of Forests in Colombia

Subscribe Free To Our Daily Newsletters




The content herein, unless otherwise known to be public domain, are Copyright 1995-2024 - Space Media Network. All websites are published in Australia and are solely subject to Australian law and governed by Fair Use principals for news reporting and research purposes. AFP, UPI and IANS news wire stories are copyright Agence France-Presse, United Press International and Indo-Asia News Service. ESA news reports are copyright European Space Agency. All NASA sourced material is public domain. Additional copyrights may apply in whole or part to other bona fide parties. All articles labeled "by Staff Writers" include reports supplied to Space Media Network by industry news wires, PR agencies, corporate press officers and the like. Such articles are individually curated and edited by Space Media Network staff on the basis of the report's information value to our industry and professional readership. Advertising does not imply endorsement, agreement or approval of any opinions, statements or information provided by Space Media Network on any Web page published or hosted by Space Media Network. General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) Statement Our advertisers use various cookies and the like to deliver the best ad banner available at one time. All network advertising suppliers have GDPR policies (Legitimate Interest) that conform with EU regulations for data collection. By using our websites you consent to cookie based advertising. If you do not agree with this then you must stop using the websites from May 25, 2018. Privacy Statement. Additional information can be found here at About Us.