- Towards Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Power Systems -
To achieve carbon neutrality, the introduction of renewable energy is being promoted. However, in order to incorporate large amounts of renewable energy into the power system, which did not exist in traditional power systems, coordinated operation between renewable energy and other power generation units is required. In our laboratory, we are conducting research to realize the ideal future power system by analyzing data on renewable energy, power markets, and power facilities and simulations.
Carbon neutrality refers to the state in which net carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions are effectively reduced to zero . This does not necessarily mean avoiding all CO2 emissions altogether. Rather, it means that any emitted CO2 must be offset by capturing an equivalent amount. In the context of power systems, carbon neutrality can be achieved by increasing the share of renewable energy and capturing CO2 emitted from fossil fuel-based power generation.
In a power system, it is essential to constantly maintain a balance between electricity demand and supply.If supply falls short, it can lead to blackouts. However, even an oversupply can ultimately result in power outages.Since renewable energy sources such as solar and wind power fluctuate significantly depending on weather conditions, power systems with a high penetration of renewables power generation require mechanisms to offset these output variations effectively.
To maintain the balance between electricity supply and demand in a power system, it is necessary to increase or decrease the amount of power generated. The capability to adjust generation output in response to control signals is known as "Reserves". In recent years, not only power generators but also consumers have begun to contribute to reserves by adjusting their electricity usage on the demand side.
The amount of reserves required in a power system depends on the magnitude of fluctuations in electricity demand and renewable energy generation. Traditional thermal power plants have the capability to adjust their output in response to control signals, so increasing the share of thermal power does not raise reserve requirements. However, large-scale integration of renewable energy power —whose output varies depending on weather conditions—leads to a greater need for reserves. That said, if the fluctuations in renewable energy output can be mitigated, the required amount of reserves can also be reduced.
