Penetrating Insights: Lessons Learned from Large-Scale Wind Power Integration

摘要

Wind power is one of the most cost-effective sources of renewable energy. In 2010, Denmark received 22% of its annual electric energy from wind generation; 17% of Portugal's load was served by wind, and the U.S. state of Texas (the center of the U.S. oil industry) produced 6.4% of its electricity from wind power. Ireland now receives more than 10% of its annual electrical energy from wind, and there are periods when wind supplies more than 50% of Ireland's total load. Each year, wind power is contributing increasing portions of world electricity production. Is there a limit to what portion of a grid's total energy can come from wind? What technical characteristics of power grids would limit the amount of wind energy that could be accommodated? What changes in technical design or operating practices could increase a grid's ability to accommodate more wind energy?