ENTSO-E, the European Network of Transmission System Operators for Electricity, is the association of the European transmission system operators (TSOs). The 40 member TSOs, representing 36 countries, are responsible for the secure and coordinated operation of Europe’s electricity system. ENTSO-E is working to secure a carbon-neutral future. The transition is a shared political objective through the continent and necessitates a much more electrified economy where sustainable, efficient and secure electricity becomes even more important.
The report concludes that integrating RES into the electricity system is more important than ever to ensure the efficient attainment of decarbonisation targets while safeguarding the reliability of the European power grid. This requires flexibility, not only during a possible dunkelflaute but also when high RES generation potential meets low demand. In addition to the use of load-side flexibility and storage, RES must also contribute to system security in these situations.
Otherwise, there may be excess generation, which can cause grid congestion or system imbalance. The first signs of these problems are already visible in some European countries. To prevent further ambitious RES expansion from exacerbating this problem, establishing the necessary conditions for RES plants to reduce their feed-in is necessary. The key factors in achieving this are observability, controllability, and appropriate financial incentives.
For an efficient and resilient electricity system, market players must reduce asset feed-in during appropriate situations on their own initiative. This will only occur if they see switching off as financially worthwhile. To achieve this, we need appropriate support schemes and low transaction costs for system shutdowns. Small-scale assets must be incentivised to adhere to operating constraints as determined by the relevant system operator. However, TSOs must always be able to take action in emergency situations to ensure safe system operation. To do this, they need the ability to control assets up to the required minimum size. This requires the necessary infrastructure and regular tests of the control route.
Access the ENTSO-E Report on Flexibility from Renewable Energy Sources here