Renewable energy generation has increased significantly led by solar photovoltaics and wind energy, reaching economic competitiveness against conventional power plants. However, both renewable technologies are not dispatchable, which requires until now the role of polluting power plants to ensure security of supply and grid stability.
To address these flexibility needs, GRIDSOL project develops an innovative solution led by COBRA, within a consortium formed by 10 partners from 5 European countries (Spain, Germany, Denmark, Italy and Greece). The project presents a new concept to increase renewable energy penetration in a grid-friendly manner: “Smart Renewable Hub”
A Smart Renewable Hub is a flexible hybrid power plant that select and combine the most suitable technologies to deliver an optimal configuration at each location. Every possible solution, considers market and grid requirements, providing ancillary services and relieving pressure on the Electricity System Operator.
In this context, GRIDSOL represents a major drive to integrate renewable energy sources thanks to flexible generation. Demonstrating the adequacy of Smart Renewable Hubs for Continental and Island grids in order to achieve a more secure, reliable and clean Energy system for the citizens.
GRIDSOL aims to provide secure, clean and efficient electricity by combining primary renewable energy sources and technology under an advanced control system called Dynamic Output Manager of Energy (DOME) supplying secure electricity and contributing to grid stability through Smart Renewable Hubs. The main objectives of the project are:
To create the required environment for Smart Renewable Hubs development. Building-up a tool to optimally size the Smart Renewable Hubs according to the electric system requirements.
Development of a Dynamic Output Manger of Energy (DOME) system for Smart Renewable Hubs in order to displace traditional fossil generators in grid regulation markets. Improving the ability to follow a variable power target.
To select the optimum CSP multi-tower configuration to provide the required synchronous energy generation and flexibility at grid level while being cost-effective.
To take advantage of synergies between different kinds of renewable energy technologies in order to optimise investments and increase cost-effectiveness. Enhancement of electricity dispatchability thanks to energy storage and back-up systems.
The specific business case of Hybrid Power Plants with energy storage has been analysed, where (i) hybrid power plants are based on the combination of different primary energy sources and technologies under and advanced control system providing flexible and firm electricity supply to TSOs and DSOs, (ii) revenues come from the sales of electricity and ancillary market services, (iii) the added value of flexible generation provides cost savings in terms of grid costs and balancing costs (iv) the potential market are countries with a great renewable energy source or with weak electrical grid or with a favourable regulatory framework for RES.
