THE INTEGRATION OF RENEWABLE ELECTRICITY SOURCES

The variable and energy-limited nature of electricity output from many renewables impede their use in small-scale applications. The drawbacks are much less when renewables are connected to integrated power systems. Indeed when capacities are small relative to the total system, renewables can often be more valuable than conventional sources, and very large capacities can in general be accommodated without incurring major operating penalties. Also, the characteristics of different variable and energy-limited renewable sources are usually complementary, and current trends in power system development will further ease their integration. With the possible exception of very large-scale use of photovoltaics, it seems most unlikely that the special characteristics of renewable electricity output will significantly limit their use, provided that their role in power systems is properly managed and reflected in the tariff arrangements for renewable generators.