Grid Integration Challenges of Wind Energy: A Review

Abstract

The strengthening of electric energy security and the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions have gained enormous momentum in previous decades. The integration of large-scale intermittent renewable energy resources (RER) like wind energy into the existing electricity grids has increased significantly in the last decade. However, this integration poses many operational and control challenges that hamper the reliable and stable operation of the grids. This article aims to review the reported challenges caused by the integration of wind energy and the proposed solutions methodologies. Among the various challenges, the generation uncertainty, power quality issues, angular and voltage stability, reactive power support, and fault ride-through capability are reviewed and discussed. Besides, socioeconomic, environmental, and electricity market challenges due to the grid integration of wind power are also investigated. Many of the solutions used and proposed to mitigate the impact of these challenges, such as energy storage systems, wind energy policy, and grid codes, are also reviewed and discussed. This paper will assist the enthusiastic readers in seeing the full picture of wind energy integration challenges. It also puts in the hands of policymakers all aspects of the challenges so that they can adopt sustainable policies that support and overcome the difficulties facing the integration of wind energy into electricity grids.

Keywords

• Angular stability
• energy storage system
• fault ride-through capability
• frequency response
• grid codes
• reactive power support