IEA Wind TCP

The International Energy Agency (IEA) Technology Collaboration Programmes for Wind Energy Systems (IEA Wind) and Photovoltaic Power Systems (IEA PVPS) are pleased to announce the publication of the third edition of the “Recommended Practices for Wind/PV Integration Studies”. This latest edition compiles over 15 years of expertise and international collaboration to offer updated methodologies, assumptions, and best practices for conducting system impact studies in power systems with high shares of wind and solar energy.

This essential resource provides clear recommendations for designing and executing integration studies, which are critical for defining renewable energy targets and decarbonisation pathways. With a focus on the evolving dynamics of power systems dominated by wind and solar, this report highlights practical experience, innovative methodologies, and key insights into future energy system challenges.

The report is issued as an IEA Wind TCP Recommended Practices document to provide research institutes, consultants, and system operators with the best available information on how to perform an integration study. An integration study seeks to find issues in energy systems, as well as mitigation measures, for accommodating certain amounts of generation from wind or solar energy.

Key Takeaways:

• Comprehensive Methodologies: The report outlines the recommended methodologies, assumptions, and inputs for conducting detailed system impact studies tailored to wind and solar-dominated power systems.

• Addressing Core Challenges: The document identifies two primary challenges for high shares of wind and solar energy:
    1. Balancing System Variability: Managing the inherent fluctuations of renewable resources.
    2. Ensuring Stability: Addressing grid stability concerns due to the inverter-based, non-synchronous nature of wind and solar integration.

• Future-Proof Insights: With wind and solar becoming mainstream energy sources, the report foresees integration studies transitioning into general power system design studies. These will address multidimensional challenges, including operational, adequacy, and dynamic considerations.

• Evolution of Practices: The diversity of current methodologies underscores the need for evolving and standardising approaches to accommodate higher shares of renewables in energy systems.

Supporting the Energy Transition

This third edition of the Recommended Practices for Wind/PV Integration Studies underscores the importance of energy system impact studies in the broader context of the global transition to renewables. By integrating wind and solar effectively, countries can meet their renewable energy targets while ensuring a stable, reliable, and economically viable power system.

A Collaborative Effort

This report is the result of a collaborative effort involving experts from over 20 countries. It reflects contributions from leading research institutes, universities, system operators, and industry stakeholders, ensuring the recommendations are robust, practical, and globally applicable.

For more information, download Recommended Practice.