ABSTRACT
This first chapter discusses the importance of managing variability so that we can increase the contribution of variable renewable energy resources to the nation's electricity supply. Managing that variability requires actions that begin with predicting variability, understanding the technical options available to reduce or manage that variability, and planning for expanding renewable energy's contribution to the grid. Reserve requirements will differ from one system to the next, but the method used in this analysis can be used for other systems. When capacity credit is allocated for wind plants, consideration should be given to the degree to which plants exhibit correlation with other variable plants in the system, just as some current wind and solar capacity credit allocations give consideration of correlation with load. Five-minute scheduling intervals will help integrate variable generation; they are already in use in organized market regions, are technically feasible, and will ensure that VER dispatch is conducted at the maximum achievable accuracy and efficiency.
