The integration of renewable generation in the Iberian power systems Approaches for coordinating connection and administrative procedures

摘要

The management of connection procedures and grid planning are TSO’s prospective functions whichshould be properly coupled in order to preserve system security in the future. Furthermore, they mustalso be coordinated with the “extra-electric” drivers for a coherent development of the system whileguaranteeing the non-discriminatory access to the grid. This is particularly relevant for the generationfrom Renewable Energy Sources (RES), where investment initiatives are naturally more dispersed,and an adequate link of connection procedures and administrative authorisation procedures is ofgreater importance, especially when considering ambitious RES objectives for 2020 in Spain andPortugal (20% and 31% of total energy consumption, respectively).In this communication, the Portuguese and Spanish TSOs (REN and REE) present their experiencesand views concerning the main aspects of connection procedures and related studies for RES. To thisrespect, the different technical assessing criteria and methods for assessment of connection capacitiesfor nodes and zones within the grid are shown, as they are applied in both Iberian systems to favourthe integration of renewable generation while preserving system security. However, as the maindifference, the present paper focus on how the current different administrative national structureconcerning authorisation of RES plants in Portugal –at national level- and Spain –at regional level- is arelevant issue, and motivates a different relationship with the TSO prospective functions; inparticular, the regulated and non-regulated coordination established between the TSOs and theAdministrations.Besides, it is shown how RES generation requires an adaptation of the formerly used coordinatedprocess for evaluating access applications with mutual influence in both power systems, which hasbeen mainly applied by REN and REE for assessment of conventional plants (CCGT and hydro).These comparison and reflections shown may help to establish some common guidelines for aconvergence in the integration of renewable generation and for a more efficient Iberian ElectricityMarket (MIBEL), in a context where both countries –and the European Union as a whole- must afforda very ambitious challenge in the integration of renewables.