Technical Issues for Wind Energy Integration in Power Systems: Projections in Italy

This paper is review of the main technical issues of wind energy integration in power systems. After summarizing the main factors affecting this integration and reviewing the analytical studies that have been carried out, the perspectives for growth in Italy are investigated. The wind power penetration projections for Italy show that the installed wind capacity should be in the range of 3,000 – 5,000 MW by 2010, with a wind power penetration level of 4.5 to 7% of peak demand. Even if, at a global level, no substantial problems in power system operation are expected, the high concentration of the Italian wind energy resource in a few areas in Southern Italy, Sicily and Sardinia Regions, can cause grid integration difficulties. In fact, new transmission networks should be built to connect this dispersed energy source to the power system. Moreover, the large wind penetration expected in isolated areas, such as in Sardinia Island, can cause load-following and regulation problems, especially during low-load periods and morning ramp-up or evening drop-off hours. These issues should be taken into account to avoid the risk of wind generation curtailments.

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