The Tres Amigas Superstation: Linking renewable energy and the nation's grid (July 2010)

Abstract

New Wind generating facilities are the fastest renewable resource to install and interconnect to the power grid. Wind generation, however, presents the largest operational challenges. Wind generation energy production is extremely variable; it often produces its highest energy output when the demand for power is at a low point. During some periods of the year, wind generation is difficult to forecast because it does not follow a predictable day-to-day production pattern. In general, wind generation has a pattern of maximum wind generation at night, a ramp down of energy production during the morning load pick up period, and a ramp up of generation in the evening. Integration of large amounts of wind generation is technically feasible, but there are transmission, operating and forecasting challenges. The West Texas wind CREZ, Southwest Power Pool (SPP), West Texas wind expansion and eastern New Mexico renewable collector system will add 12,00 to 20,00MW of predominately wind and solar energy to the grid.