VGB’s contribution to the G20/CEM events “System Integration of Variable Renewables – Focus on Supply Side Flexibility”
The challenge of integrating rising shares of variable renewables has become a key focus area of the international energy policy debate, namely in the Clean Energy Ministerial (CEM) – which launched a campaign on „Advanced Power Plant Flexibility“ at CEM8 in Beijing in June –, in the G20 Energy Sustainability Working Group and in a number of bilateral cooperation.
Representatives from 18 countries shared their views
In this context the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWi) organized a series of events including an international workshop, experience exchanges and site visits. From November 1 to 3, 2017, over 60 international experts from industry, government and energy related institutions discussed the challenges of system stability in times of transition towards a decarbonized energy system. It was common sense that dispatchable power generation is one important contributor to a flexible energy system.
Different country perspectives, solutions and market designs were presented. VGB reported about the German experiences in flexible operation of thermal plants as well as about the role of biomass in the German energy market. The Chinese contribution – presented by the Chinese Electric Power Planning & Engineering Institute (EPPEI) – was received with great interest. EPPEI reported about the national demonstration program for flexible thermal power plants. The program comprises 22 power plant projects throughout China representing an installed capacity of 17 GW. The total investment for the demo projects is about 3 billion Yuan (450 million USD).These technical efforts are complemented by the development of an according market framework incentivizing flexible operation.
(Source: GIZ)
The Excellence Enhancement Centre – VGB’s partner organization – presented the Indian perspective. The outcomes of a recent study addressing the flexibility potential of two power plants were in the focus of that presentation. This study had been executed jointly by EEC and VGB under the auspices of the Indo-German Energy Forum (IGEF). In the same context VGB has been working on the so called “Flexibility Toolbox”. The Toolbox comprises measures, solutions and recommendations for flexible operation of thermal plants and was also presented by VGB during the CEM8 event.
CEM8 is a global platform for the promotion of clean and sustainable energy supply, involving 24 countries and the European Commission. Interested companies and institutions can actively get involved in the "Advanced Power Plant Flexibility Campaign".
More information: www.cleanenergyministerial.org