This 3 credit hour course describes the “essential reliability” services (ERSs)—for example, operating reserves—needed to maintain the reliability and stability of the national electrical grid, and discusses how wind can provide these ERSs.
Wind’s ability to provide energy and capacity is well understood in concept even if industry practices vary by region. What is not as broadly understood is the ability of wind technologies to provide ERSs, even as modern wind turbines have necessary capabilities built in. While the cost of providing operating reserves is a small fraction of the total cost of grid services, this share could grow under increasing penetration of wind (or solar photovoltaics)—and the provision of operating reserves from wind could grow as well. In fact, in certain regions, wind is required to provide some of the reserve services even today. This course presents the service requirements and pricing data needed to evaluate the potential of wind energy to provide ERSs.
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