Planning and Operations Studies

Grid code compliance refers to the adherence to a set of technical and operational requirements defined by Grid Operators or Regulatory authorities that power generating facilities must meet to connect and operate within the power grid.

In an era where the integration of renewable energy sources is accelerating, grid code compliance studies play a key role in facilitating this transition. They ensure that renewable energy technologies, such as solar and wind power, are not only seamlessly integrated into the grid but also enhance its security and robustness.

The grid code compliance studies incorporate the necessary static and dynamic simulations to verify the capability of a new power generation facility to comply with the technical requirements. Moreover, the critical equipment, such as PV inverters, wind turbines, power plant controllers, and related electrical infrastructure are assessed for proper sizing and operation, based on local connection codes.

The inherent variability and intermittency of renewable energy sources poses new challenges to existing electrical networks. Energy storage systems offer a solution by enhancing the grid's capacity to accommodate renewable energy. Among these, battery-based storage systems stand out for their rapid response and flexible operation, making them ideal for grid support.

The increasing penetration of distributed energy resources has imposed several challenges in the analysis and operation of power systems, mainly due to the stochastic nature of renewables. The importance of Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) and hybrid power plant studies lies in their ability to provide rapid response and flexible operation, enhance the performance, reliability, and sustainability of power systems, supporting the global transition to a cleaner and more resilient energy system.

Master plan studies involve careful planning of the necessary generation and transmission network expansions and associated investments. These studies aim to ensure that the planned network can meet future demand reliably, efficiently, and sustainably, throughout the planning horizon.

By considering a comprehensive set of factors, from demand forecasting to technological integration and stakeholder engagement, planners can develop robust strategies to meet future energy needs.

Key components

• Load forecasting: demand analysis, load distribution.
• Generation planning: generation mix, capacity adequacy.
• Transmission network analysis: existing network assessment, future network requirements and required reinforcements.
• Grid reliability and stability: contingency analysis, stability studies.
• Economic analysis: cost-benefit analysis.
• Implementation planning: development of a timeline for the implementation of expansion projects.

High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) and High Voltage Alternating Current (HVAC) interconnection studies are essential to ensure the reliable and robust integration of these two transmission technologies within a power grid. This category includes:

• Interconnection of asynchronous grids
• Expansion of interconnections between two countries
• Transmission expansion studies within a country
• Connection of isolated grids
• Connection of large offshore wind farms

PROTASIS has conducted interconnection studies in various countries worldwide. Our extensive collection of power system model libraries, combined with our expertise in various national and industrial systems, ensures optimal results in execution time and robust conclusions. This guarantees the acceptance of reports by dispatch centers and regulatory authorities.

Hosting capacity studies are analytical assessments conducted to determine the maximum amount of distributed energy resources (DERs), such as renewable energy sources (RES), that can be integrated into the electrical grid without negatively impacting its reliability, safety, and performance.

These studies are crucial for utilities to plan and manage the integration of the distributed generation. They require sophisticated modeling, analytical techniques, and software tools to address the complexities of modern power systems.