Role of the GB-France electricity interconnectors in integration of variable renewable generation

The integration of large capacities of wind and solar generation into the France and Great Britain (GB) power systems is expected to pose significant operational challenges. Electricity interconnectors can play a role in facilitating the integration of renewable generation in neighbouring countries by allowing power to flow freely between power systems and therefore smooth the net electricity demand. In this paper, role of the electricity interconnectors in efficient balancing of supply and demand in the France and GB power systems was evaluated in terms of overall reduction in the operational costs and curtailment of renewable generation, and also its impact on operation of gas-fired plants. The value of the France-GB interconnectors was studied for two generation mix scenarios in 2030 using PLEXUS. The outputs of the modelling showed the interconnectors will result in larger amount of wind and solar to be absorbed by both power systems which consequently will reduce overall operational costs and CO2 emissions. In addition, the interconnectors will reduce burden on gas-fired plants compensating for variation in wind and solar generation. This can have a significant value in operation and required investment of gas networks in both countries. (C) 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.