Review of trans-Mediterranean power grid interconnection:a regional roadmap towards energy sector decarbonization

Climate change is becoming an important issue in all fields of infrastructure development.Electricity plays a core role in the decarbonized energy system’s path to a regional zero-emission pattern.A well-built trans-Mediterranean backbone grid can hedge the profound evolution of regional power generation,transmission,and consumption.To date,only Turkey and the Maghreb countries(i.e.,Morocco,Algeria,and Tunisia)are connected with the Continental European Synchronous Area.Other south-and east-shore countries have insufficient interconnection infrastructures and synchronization difficulties that have proven to be major hurdles to the implementation of large-scale solar and wind projects and achievement of climate goals.This study analyzes the current trans-boundary grid interconnections and power and carbon emission portfolios in the Mediterranean region.To align with the recently launched new climate target‘Fit for 55’program and the accelerated large-scale renewables target,a holistic review of projected trans-Mediterranean grids and their market,technical,and financial obstacles of implementation was conducted.For south-and east-shore countries,major legal and regulatory barriers encompassing non-liberalized market structure,regulation gaps of taxation and transmission tariffs,and the private sector’s access rights need to be removed.Enhancement of domestic grids,substations,and harmonized grid codes and frequency,voltage,and communication technology standards among all trans-Mediterranean countries are physical prerequisites for implementing the Trans-Mediterranean Electricity Market.In addition,the mobilization of capital instruments along with private and international investments is indispensable for the realization of supranational transmission projects.As the final section of the decarbonization roadmap,the development of electric appliances,equipment,and vehicles with higher efficiency is inevitable in the decarbonized building,transportation,and industry sectors.

Impact of interconnections and renewable energy integration on the Philippine-Sabah Power Grid systems

This study presents a comprehensive impact analysis of the rotor angle stability of a proposed international connection between the Philippines and Sabah,Malaysia,as part of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations(ASEAN)Power Grid.This study focuses on modeling and evaluating the dynamic performance of the interconnected system,considering the high penetration of renewable sources.Power flow,small signal stability,and transient stability analyses were conducted to assess the ability of the proposed linked power system models to withstand small and large disturbances,utilizing the Power Systems Analysis Toolbox(PSAT)software in MATLAB.All components used in the model are documented in the PSAT library.Currently,there is a lack of publicly available studies regarding the implementation of this specific system.Additionally,the study investigates the behavior of a system with a high penetration of renewable energy sources.Based on the findings,this study concludes that a system is generally stable when interconnection is realized,given its appropriate location and dynamic component parameters.Furthermore,the critical eigenvalues of the system also exhibited improvement as the renewable energy sources were augmented.

Optimizing Power Flow in Northern Cameroon’s Interconnected Grid: Challenges and Solutions

This paper presents an analysis of the power flow within the Northern Interconnected Grid of Cameroon. The Newton-Raphson method has been performed, known for its accuracy, under MATLAB software, to model and solve complex power flow equations. This study simulates a series of outage scenarios to evaluate the responsiveness of the grid. The results obtained underline the crucial importance of reactive power management and highlight the urgent need to consolidate the grid infrastructure of North Cameroon. To increase grid resilience and stability, the paper recommends the strategic integration of renewables and the development of interconnections with other power grids. These measures are presented as viable solutions to meet current and future energy distribution challenges, ensuring a reliable and sustainable power supply for Cameroon.

Analysis of water resource benefits due to power grid interconnections using the virtual water method

The global water demand and supply situation is becoming increasingly severe due to water shortage and uneven distribution of water resources.The highest water demand in the energy sector is attributable to power generation.With cross-country and cross-continental power grid interconnections becoming a reality,electricity trading across countries and the creation of new opportunities for re-allocation of water resources are possible.This study expands the concept of virtual water and proposes a generalized virtual water flow in an interconnected power grid system to accurately estimate water resource benefits of clean power transmission from both the production and the consumption sides.By defining the water scarcity index as a price mechanism indicator,the benefits of water resources allocation through power grid interconnections are evaluated.Taking the Africa-Asia-Europe interconnection scenario as an example,the total water saving would amount to 88.95 million m^3 by 2030 and 337.8 million m^3 by 2050.This result shows that grid interconnections could promote the development of renewable energy and expand the benefits of available water resources.

Index system and methods for comprehensive assessment of cross-border power grid interconnection projects

With the global economy integration and progress in energy transformation,it has become a general trend to surpass national boundaries to achieve wider and optimal energy resource allocations.Consequently,there is a critical n eed to adopt scie ntific approaches in assessi ng cross-border power grid interconnection projects.First,con sidering the promotion of large-scale renewable energy resources and improvements in system adequacy,a comprehensive assessment index system,including costs,socio-economic benefits,environmental benefits,and technical benefits,is established in this study.Second,a synthetic assessment framework is proposed for cross-border power grid interconnection projects based on the index system comprising cost-benefit analysis,with market and network simulations,iterative methods for indicator weight evaluation,and technique for order preferenee by similarity to an ideal solution(TOPSIS)method for the project rankings.Fin ally,by assessi ng and comparing three cross-border projects betwee n Europe and Asia,the proposed index system and assessment framework have been proved to be effective and feasible;the results of this system can thus support investment decision-making related to such projects in the future.

Analysis of basic conditions of the power grid interconnection among Xinjiang, Pakistan, and five Central Asian countries

Inter-regional and transnational grid interconnection is necessary for energy development. Xinjiang, which is rich in renewable energy resources, is adjacent to countries in Central Asia and has great potential for interconnection with its neighbors. This paper outlines China's relevant policies for transnational power interconnection, and introduces the energy structure, load demand endowments, and power supply status of Xinjiang, Pakistan, and five Central Asian countries. Further, it analyzes the advantages of the multinational power interconnection from the aspects of power supply and load complementation. Finally, from the perspective of technical support and practical basis, the feasibility of interconnection between Xinjiang, Pakistan, and five Central Asian countries have been analyzed. This paper provides a theoretical basis for promoting and implementing China's "Belt and Road" power transnational interconnected development strategy.

A multi-level evaluation model for the recognition and assessment of impact factors associated with intercontinental power interconnection projects

The construction of intercontinental power grid interconnection projects is key to realizing the vision of Global Energy Interconnection,which is to solve global energy problems in a clean and sustainable manner.These projects may be influenced by a few factors that are neither technological nor economic,such as political,social,and international factors.This paper thus presents a multi-level model for recognizing which factor from a compiled list of 14 would impact a particular intercontinental interconnection project and for assessing the degree of the factor’s influence.In the first part of the model,the Analytic Hierarchy Process(AHP)method is used to recognize the project’s most significant impact factors.Using the recognition results,the second part of the model can assess the degree of the factor’s influence on the project based on ratings provided by experts.A comprehensive evaluation can thus be provided.As a case study,the proposed Saudi Arabia-Ethiopia power grid interconnection project connecting Asia and Africa was analyzed.Derived from a combination of multiple opinions from experts,evaluations from the model will be of direct benefit to decision-makers,investors,project implementers,and engineers,providing them with a deeper insight into the project.

Analysis on Conditions of Northwest,North China and Shandong Power Grids Interconnection

This paper analyzes the possibility and benefits of interconnection of Northwest Power Grid with North China and Shangdong power grids. With different energy resources and power demand patterns, these three power grids have large potential benefits in future interconnection.

An In-Depth Study of Complex Power System Dynamic Behavior Characteristics for Chinese UHV Power Grid Security

In this paper,a series of major policy decisions used to improve the power grid reliability,reduce the risk and losses of major power outages,and realize the modernization of 21st century power grid are discussed. These decisions were adopted by American government and would also be helpful for the strategic development of Chinese power grid. It is proposed that China should take precaution,carry out security research on the overall dynamic behaviour characteristics of the UHV grid using the complexity theory,and finally provide safeguard for the Chinese UHV grid. It is also pointed out that,due to the lack of matured approaches to controll a cascading failure,the primary duty of a system operator is to work as a "watchdog" for the grid operation security,eliminate the cumulative effect and reduce the risk and losses of major cascading outages with the help of EMS and WAMS.

Fundamental Research on Enhancing Operation Reliability for Large-Scale Interconnected Power Grids——An interview with Zhou Xiaoxin, chief scientist of "973 Program"

At the end of last year, the editors from Power and Electrical Engineers interviewed Zhou Xiaoxin on "Fundamental Research on Enhancing Operation Reliability for Large-Scale Interconnected Power Grids", a project of "973 Program". Mr. Zhou, the chief engineer of China Electric Power Research Institute(CEPRI) and an academician of Chinese Academy of Sciences, is the chief scientist in charge of this research project.

Development of the interconnected power grid in Europe and suggestions for the energy internet in China

The European power grid is one of the largest regional interconnected power grids in the world.It realizes a multinational grid operation,which is rare.The total installed capacity of the European power grid is the largest throughout the world.In addition,the integration and utilization of renewable energy in this grid is a great benchmark for other countries and can help promote energy transformation and achieve a high proportion of renewable energy consumption.Based on the analysis of the existing status of the European interconnected power grid and the development history of this power grid,this paper summarizes four key development stages of the European power grid.In addition,the characteristics of each stage and the development prospect of the European power grid are analyzed.On this basis,this paper gives suggestions for the development and construction of China’s energy internet;this can provide valuable reference for further studies on China’s energy internet.

The evolution of interstate power grid formation

This study analyzes the process of electric power system integration in various regions worldwide.This process is implemented by creating both interstate electric ties and power grids.The analysis is comprehensive and examines the system,spatial,technical,organizational,and market aspects of the integration.Various countries,including developed countries such as Europe and North America,as well as economically developing countries such as Central America and Africa,are involved in this process.However,the rates and scales of electric power integration differ across various regions worldwide.The analysis shows that the process of electric power integration,which has decades of history,is still ongoing,despite the growth of other trends,such as the development of distributed generation.Further electricity integration is expected to lead to the formation of a global power interconnection in the long term.

Influencing Factors of the Power Fluctuation on the Ultra High Voltage Transmission Line Caused by Faults at the Remote Ends of the Interconnected Grid

After the North China grid and the Central China grid get into connection with the UHVAC demonstration, a new phenomenon is discovered according to some simulations. That is, the faults at the remote end of the UHV interconnected grid will result in significant power fluctuation and voltage drop on the UHV transmission line and even system splitting. But the faults near the UHV line only have marginal effects. Further, the simulation results also indicate that the short-circuit current of the buses near the UHV line is larger than that of the buses far away from the UHV line. This phenomenon is divergent from the traditional view. In this paper, the detail will be introduced, and the factors influencing the system stability after faults are presented and analyzed. The results indicate that transmission power of the UHV line and of the lines between the remote end and the major grid influence the fluctuation on UHV line. The load model and the grid structure of the remote end also have effect on it. Finally, corresponding control scheme is presented to improve the operation conditions of the UHV interconnected grid and ensure its security and stability.

Impacts of a Japan–South Korea power system interconnection on the competitiveness of electric power companies according to power exchange prices

In many regions,international power system interconnections provide economic,energy-security,environmental,and technical benefits.In contrast,such interconnections remain scarce in Northeast Asia.In 2016,after approving a joint memorandum of understanding between major electric power companies from China,Japan,South Korea,and Russia,related initiatives regained momentum in the region.Nevertheless,the corresponding developments in Japan remain limited,mainly owing to the lack of involvement of Japanese electric power companies.This study represents a pioneering attempt to provide an economic assessment based on power exchange prices of a power system interconnection between Japan and South Korea regarding the competitiveness of electric power companies in terms of competitive business segments and strategic consequences.We found that although the position of Japanese generators may slightly deteriorate,that of the supply segment would substantially improve,thus suggesting that more opportunities than threats are derived from the interconnection.This promising outcome may foster the adoption of an interconnection with South Korea considering the positive economic and business perspectives in Japan.Furthermore,realizing the interconnection may improve the energy security and air quality in the region.

Research on Security Assessment Index System for Operating Reserve in Large Interconnected Power Grid

Optimization and placement of spinning reserve is an important issue in power system planning and operation. Systematic way for security assessment of operating reserve needs to study. A security assessment index system for operating reserve in large interconnected power grids is presented in this paper. Firstly, classification and determination methods of operating reserve at home and abroad are investigated, and operating reserve is divided into transient state operating reserve and quasi-steady state operating reserve from the view of security assessment. Secondly, assessment indexes and optimization methods for transient state operating reserve are studied. Thirdly, optimization model, deterministic and probabilistic optimization methods for quasi-steady state operating reserve are explored. Finally, some principles for determination of operating reserve are suggested, and a security assessment index system is put forward. The proposed index system, considering both transient and quasi-steady state, both deterministic and probabilistic methods, provides a systematic way to assessment and arrangement of operating reserve.

Effect of Energy Market Globalization over Power Sector of GCC Region: A Short Review

Globalization of energy market in GCC countries is deepening not only through free-flowing international trade but also through foreign investment, market-driven domestic economies and industrialization. GCC nations are transforming their energy industry and market around the world which is promising their economic efficiency and technology development. Nevertheless, this open energy market across the world has raised a question about energy security and power demand. This energy market globalization has pushed the GCC Nations to pay attention to the control of supply and demand of power. Interconnection of power network between the GCC Region is optimistic pace to secure the future anticipated power fallouts. And also installation of Renewable Energy projects will support GCC to accommodate their increasing power demand. This paper discusses about how the energy market globalization has effect the power supply and demand of GCC nations, their concerns and recent progress towards its resolution.

An Outlook on Northwest Power Grid Development

In this paper the basic situation of the Northwest Region in China is introduced, the necessity for the Northwest Power Grid to develop 750 kV transmission line is analyzed, and the target for the power grid construction till 2010 as well as the planning for sending power from west to east and interconnection with adjacent grids are described.