Research Needs for Realization of Zero-Carbon Power Grids with Selected Case Studies

Abstract

The attainment of carbon neutrality requires a research agenda that addresses the technical and economic challenges that will be encountered as we progress toward 100% renewable electricity generation. Increasing proportions of variable renewable energy (VRE) sources (such as wind turbines and photovoltaic systems) render the supply-and-demand balance of VRE-dominated power grids difficult. The operational characteristics and effects of VRE inverters also require attention. Here, we examine the implications of the paradigm shift to carbon neutrality and summarize the associated research challenges in terms of system planning, operation, and stability, and the need for energy storage integration, demand-side participation, distributed control and estimation, and energy sector coupling. We also highlight the existing literature gaps, and our recent studies that can fill in the gaps, thereby facilitating the improvement of grid operation and estimation. The numerical results of comparative case studies are also provided on the operational stability and economics of power grids with a high level of VRE sources, assisting stakeholders in establishing specific roadmaps and making relevant decisions.

Research on operational characteristics and methods for new energy nearby connected converters

“…Many methods have been studied to achieve carbon reduction goals in [1], such as developing energy storage technology,building "a "low-carbon power technology development mechanism", and building a "low-carbon power smart power utilization mechanism" and so on. The implications of the paradigm shift to carbon neutrality examined, the associated research challenge are summarized, the numerical results of comparative case studies is used to better provide decision-making in [2].A fuzzy mathematics-based control method applied to VSC is studied in [3], and the control method is proposed in both grid-connected and islanded modes. Offshore multi-terminal high-voltage dc grids is introduced in [4], and a frequency control is proposed both centralized control and AFC simultaneously.…”