High renewable energy penetration reduces blackout impact

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