Abstract
Wind and photovoltaic (PV) power systems are the most promising renewable energy resources. However, outputs of wind and PV power can change drastically, depending on the weather conditions. When the share of renewable energy generation increases, thermal power generation decreases, which causes a reduction of operating reserve they provide to the whole power system. Thus, provision of operating reserves is one important challenge that may prevent further growth of renewable energy. In this study, we examined the effects of using wind power to provide operating reserves to power systems. To do that we numerically simulated the operation of the ten balancing areas of Japan for 8760 hours, considering scenarios of high penetration of renewable energy. The results show that the provision of operating reserves from wind power can reduce the operation cost, CO2 emission, and curtailment of wind power. In addition, we also show that, while the provision of operating reserve from wind power can increase curtailment of PV power generation, the contribution of renewable energy to the power system can be further improved if operating reserves not only from wind power but also from PV can be provided.
