Generation expansion planning optimisation with renewable energy integration: A review

Generation expansion planning consists of finding the optimal long-term plan for the construction of new generation capacity subject to various economic and technical constraints. It usually involves solving a large-scale, non-linear discrete and dynamic optimisation problem in a highly constrained and uncertain environment. Traditional approaches to capacity planning have focused on achieving a least-cost plan. During the last two decades however, new paradigms for expansion planning have emerged that are driven by environmental and political factors. This has resulted in the formulation of multi-criteria approaches that enable power system planners to simultaneously consider multiple and conflicting objectives in the decision-making process. More recently, the increasing integration of intermittent renewable energy sources in the grid to sustain power system decarbonisation and energy security has introduced new challenges. Such a transition spawns new dynamics pertaining to the variability and uncertainty of these generation resources in determining the best mix. In addition to ensuring adequacy of generation capacity, it is essential to consider the operational characteristics of the generation sources in the planning process. In this paper, we first review the evolution of generation expansion planning techniques in the face of more stringent environmental policies and growing uncertainty. More importantly, we highlight the emerging challenges presented by the intermittent nature of some renewable energy sources. In particular, we discuss the power supply adequacy and operational flexibility issues introduced by variable renewable sources as well as the attempts made to address them. Finally, we identify important future research directions

Optimal Planning of Electric Power Systems

International audienceElectric power systems provide an essential service to any modern society. They are inherently large-scale dynamic systems with a high degree of spatio-temporal complexity. Their reliability and security of supply are central considerations in any regional or global energy-related policy. Methods for power systems planning have typically ensured key operational reliability aspects under normal operating conditions and in response to anticipated demand variability, uncertainty and supply disruptions, e.g. due to errors in load forecasts and to unexpected generation units outages. Solutions have been commonly built on capacity adequacy and operating reserves requirements, among others. However, recent objectives for environmental sustainability and the threats of climate change are challenging the reliability requirements of power systems in various new ways and necessitate adapted planning methods. The present chapter describes some of the issues related to the development of the integrated techno-economic modeling and robust optimization framework that is needed today for power systems planning adapted. Such planning framework should cope with the new context by addressing the challenges associated with the sustainability targets of future power systems, and most notably ensuring operational flexibility against the variability of renewable energy sources, ensuring resilience against extreme weather events and ensuring robustness against the uncertainties inherent in both the electric power supply and system load