Renewable Electricity Futures Study. Volume 1: Exploration of High-Penetration Renewable Electricity Futures.

摘要

This is Volume 1 of the Renewable Electricity Futures Study: Exploration of High-Penetration Renewable Electricity Futures. The Renewable Electricity Futures Study (RE Futures), is an initial investigation of the extent to which renewable energy supply can meet the electricity demands of the continental United States over the next several decades. This study explores the implications and challenges of very high renewable electricity generation levels - from 30% up to 90%, focusing on 80%, of all U.S. electricity generation from renewable technologies - in 2050. At such high levels of renewable electricity generation, the unique characteristics of some renewable resources, specifically geographical distribution and variability and uncertainty in output, pose challenges to the operability of the nation's electric system. RE Futures provides initial answers to important questions about the integration of high penetrations of renewable electricity technologies from a national perspective, focusing on key technical implications. The study explores electricity grid integration using models with unprecedented geographic and time resolution for the contiguous United States to assess whether the U.S. power system can supply electricity to meet customer demand on an hourly basis with high levels of renewable electricity, including variable wind and solar generation.