Accommodating High Levels of Variable Generation - NERC

Transmission Planning & Resource Adequacy
60,000
Figure Figure 3.1 4: Projected Increase in Summer Wind
Nameplate/Installed Capacity
50,000
MW
40,000
30,000
20,000
10,000
0
2008
2017
2008
2017
2008
2017
2008
2017
2008
2017
2008
2017
2008
2017
2008
2017
ERCOT FRCC MRO NPCC RFC SERC SPP WECC
Existing Planned Proposed
Additional transmission infrastructure is therefore vital to reliably accommodating large amounts
of wind resources, specifically in order to:
1. Interconnect variable energy resources planned in remote regions;
2. Smooth the variable generation output across a broad geographical region and resource
portfolio; and
3. Deliver ramping capability and ancillary services from inside and outside a Balancing
Area to equalize supply and demand.
High levels of variable generation will require significant transmission additions and
reinforcements to maintain bulk power system reliability. 49 The Joint-Coordinated System Plan,
released in February 2008, for example, suggests that 15,000 miles of new transmission lines at a
cost of $80 billion will be needed to meet a 20% wind energy scenario in the Eastern
Interconnection. State, provincial, and federal government agencies should consider and factor
the impact of variable generation integration on inter-state and international bulk power system
reliability into their evaluations. These entities are encouraged to work together to remove
49 See http://www.20percentwind.org/, http://www.JCSPstudy.org, and
http://www.aeso.ca/downloads/Southern_Alberta_NID_DEC15_POSTED.pdf, for more background
Accommodating High Levels of Variable Generation 35