Open AccessEconomic impact of investments in weather forecasts for distribution system operators: the Italian case
Author(s) -
Iannarelli Gaetano,
Boccaletti Chiara
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
iet generation, transmission and distribution
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.92
H-Index - 110
eISSN - 1751-8695
pISSN - 1751-8687
DOI - 10.1049/iet-gtd.2017.1919
Subject(s) - renewable energy , environmental economics , electricity , electric power system , computer science , environmental science , meteorology , engineering , economics , power (physics) , electrical engineering , physics , quantum mechanics
A larger integration worldwide of renewable energy sources (RESs) in the electricity distribution system is certainly desirable, to reduce CO 2 emissions and to contribute to a sustainable development. However, the increasing penetration of renewable energy is a challenge for the system performance, because it affects the power quality and the load management, forecasting, and scheduling. To reduce the impact of intermittent energy sources on network security, it is mandatory to predict with reasonable accuracy the renewable energy variations. The study is mainly focused on solar energy and its integration with distribution network. The technical issues and the economic impact of more accurate weather forecasts are discussed with particular reference to the results of the absolutely first field tests on a new forecast system implemented in the Italian distribution network by the most important Italian distribution system operator. The fundamental role of land weather stations as a new essential component of the distribution network is highlighted.