Evaluating the effect of wind-hydro hybrid power stations on the operation of Cretan power system

Abstract

The Cretan power system is the largest autonomous power system in Greece, and it consumes around 5% of the total Greek electricity demand. It contains a large number of conventional power stations that are combined with significant installed capacity of wind farms and photovoltaics. This paper is evaluating the effect of a large wind-hydro hybrid power station installation in this system. The analysis is implemented by using PowerWorld simulator, and it contains a large number of alternative scenarios, which combine different values of load demand and renewable energy production. The results show that with the inclusion of the hybrid station, significant economical benefits in Cretan power system operation can be achieved, without affect the safe operation of the system.