PV and Gas Storage Solution to Optimize and Enhance Power/Gas System Reliability

In Saudi Arabia, unconventional isolated gas projects have been deployed to feed in large power plants connected to the grid. One of the major risks of such configuration is the interruption of the gas supply resulting from the fluctuating power output of the power plant to meet electrical system demand. These fluctuations have negative impacts on the operation and lifecycle of gas wells and affect the system reliability. This paper proposes a solution combining small-scale gas storage and a PV plant to mitigate these risks. The gas storage helps to maintain a high reliability at the isolated gas processing facility while the PV plant supports liquid fuel displacement and improve fuel efficiency. A Plexos model is developed to mimic the operation of the proposed solution and illustrate the potential benefits. Furthermore, the validation of the solution supports structuring a comprehensive and strategic vision to re-configuring the grid/gas system with high reliability, resiliency and sustainability.