Comparison of integration solutions for wind power in the Netherlands

In this study, a commercially available unit commitment and economic despatch (UC–ED) tool is extended for the simulation of wind power integration in an international environment. An existing generation unit database for the Netherlands is extended to include conventional generation portfolios of neighbouring areas to the Netherlands. Furthermore, wind power in Germany is modelled such that the spatial correlation between wind speeds at different locations in the Netherlands and Germany is maintained. These additions allow the assessment of the benefits of international exchange for wind power integration and a comparison with other integration solutions. The UC–ED tool is applied for annual simulations of a power system with generation portfolios foreseen for the year 2014. Four variants for international exchange possibilities are investigated for different wind power penetrations. The opportunities of the following integration solutions are assessed: use of conventional generation in isolated systems,use of international markets, flexible combined heat and power (CHP), pumped hydro energy storage, compressed air energy storage and interconnection to a hydro-based system. The solutions are placed in an order of potential with respect to technical, economical and environmental aspects. The results show that the advantages of international exchange for wind power integration are large and provide an alternative for the development of energy storage facilities.