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The Role of Fast Frequency Response of Energy Storage Systems and Renewables for Ensuring Frequency Stability in Future Low-Inertia Power Systems

Author

Listed:
  • Pablo González-Inostroza

    (Energy Center, Department of Electrical Engineering, University of Chile, Santiago 8320000, Chile)

  • Claudia Rahmann

    (Energy Center, Department of Electrical Engineering, University of Chile, Santiago 8320000, Chile)

  • Ricardo Álvarez

    (Department of Electrical Engineering, Universidad Técnica Federico Santa María, Santiago 8940000, Chile)

  • Jannik Haas

    (Department of Stochastic Simulation and Safety Research for Hydrosystems (IWS/SC SimTech), University of Stuttgart, 70173 Stuttgart, Germany
    Department of Civil and Natural Resources Engineering, University of Canterbury, Christchurch 8041, New Zealand)

  • Wolfgang Nowak

    (Department of Stochastic Simulation and Safety Research for Hydrosystems (IWS/SC SimTech), University of Stuttgart, 70173 Stuttgart, Germany)

  • Christian Rehtanz

    (Institute of Energy Systems, Energy Efficiency and Energy Economics (ie3), TU Dortmund University, 44135 Dortmund, Germany)

Abstract

Renewable generation technologies are rapidly penetrating electrical power systems, which challenge frequency stability, especially in power systems with low inertia. To prevent future instabilities, this issue should already be addressed in the planning stage of the power systems. With this purpose, this paper presents a generation expansion planning tool that incorporates a set of frequency stability constraints along with the capability of renewable technologies and batteries to support system frequency stability during major power imbalances. We study how the investment decisions change depending on (i) which technology—batteries, renewable or conventional generation—support system frequency stability, (ii) the available levels of system inertia, and (iii) the modeling detail of reserve allocation (system-wide versus zone-specific). Our results for a case study of Chile’s system in the year 2050 show that including fast frequency response from converter-based technologies will be mandatory to achieve a secure operation in power systems dominated by renewable generation. When batteries offer the service, the total investment sizes are only slightly impacted. More precise spatial modeling of the reserves primarily affects the location of the investments as well as the reserve provider. These findings are relevant to energy policy makers, energy planners, and energy companies.

Suggested Citation

  • Pablo González-Inostroza & Claudia Rahmann & Ricardo Álvarez & Jannik Haas & Wolfgang Nowak & Christian Rehtanz, 2021. "The Role of Fast Frequency Response of Energy Storage Systems and Renewables for Ensuring Frequency Stability in Future Low-Inertia Power Systems," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(10), pages 1-16, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:13:y:2021:i:10:p:5656-:d:557184
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Haas, J. & Nowak, W. & Palma-Behnke, R., 2019. "Multi-objective planning of energy storage technologies for a fully renewable system: Implications for the main stakeholders in Chile," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 126(C), pages 494-506.
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    Cited by:

    1. Carlos Barrera-Singaña & María Paz Comech & Hugo Arcos, 2025. "A Comprehensive Review on the Integration of Renewable Energy Through Advanced Planning and Optimization Techniques," Energies, MDPI, vol. 18(11), pages 1-23, June.
    2. Alvear, Carlos & Haas, Jannik & Palma-Behnke, Rodrigo & Peer, Rebecca & Medina, Juan Pablo & Kern, Jordan D., 2024. "Green hydrogen exports in New Zealand and Chile can improve electricity supply security if configured as local energy insurance," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 304(C).
    3. Dongqi Huang & Pengwei Sun & Wenfeng Yao & Chang Liu & Hefeng Zhai & Yehao Gao, 2025. "Bi-Level Planning of Grid-Forming Energy Storage–Hydrogen Storage System Considering Inertia Response and Frequency Parameter Optimization," Energies, MDPI, vol. 18(15), pages 1-26, July.
    4. Casella, Virginia & La Fata, Alice & Suzzi, Stefano & Barbero, Giulia & Barilli, Riccardo, 2024. "The United Kingdom electricity market mechanism: A tool for a battery energy storage system optimal dispatching," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 231(C).
    5. Jeyaraj, Thavamani & Ponnusamy, Arul & Selvaraj, Dhamodharan, 2025. "Hybrid renewable energy systems stability analysis through future advancement technique: A review," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 383(C).

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