Reactive power potential: A contribution of hydropower for the Energy Transition

The growing challenges of climate change and the urgent need to reduce carbon <br/>emissions make Germany’s Energy Transition a crucial step in addressing these global <br/>issues. Climate change, driven largely by rising CO₂ levels, demands a swift shift to <br/>renewable energy to minimise its impact on the environment and society. At the same <br/>time, the gradual phase-out of conventional power plants presents significant <br/>challenges for the electricity grid, especially in terms of expanding the network and <br/>ensuring its reliability. <br/>This study explores the critical role of hydropower plants in stabilizing the energy <br/>system. In addition to generating renewable energy, hydropower plants are highly <br/>adaptable and can play a vital role in ensuring system security by providing reactive <br/>power. The research identifies a theoretical potential of 409 MVar inductive and <br/>252 MVar capacitive reactive power in Bavaria’s medium-voltage grids. This highlights <br/>the importance of hydropower in addressing the increasing demand for grid stability as <br/>conventional power plants are retired. <br/>To fully utilise this potential, the study emphasises the need for technical upgrades and <br/>changes in regulations. It focuses on challenges related to voltage stability and the <br/>control of reactive power, where hydropower’s stability and controllability offer clear <br/>advantages. As renewable energy sources like solar and wind become more <br/>prominent, their intermittent nature makes the need for reliable grid stabilisation even <br/>more pressing. <br/>The research also examines the economic and operational aspects of integrating <br/>hydropower into reactive power management. It calls for policies and incentives to <br/>encourage HPP operators to enhance their capabilities. Modernising equipment and <br/>upgrading grid infrastructure are identified as essential steps to align hydropower’s <br/>potential with the demands of a renewable energy-focused grid. By balancing technical <br/>and economic factors, hydropower can become a cornerstone of a sustainable and <br/>decentralised energy system. <br/>The findings underscore the importance of collaboration among policymakers, grid <br/>operators, and energy producers. Creating a supportive environment for hydropower’s <br/>expanded role is essential to achieving the goals of the Energy Transition. This study <br/>not only addresses the immediate challenges but also offers solutions that can be <br/>adapted to other regions facing similar energy transformation needs. <br/>In conclusion, integrating hydropower into reactive power management is a <br/>transformative opportunity to enhance the resilience and efficiency of Germany’s <br/>electricity grid. The research highlights the importance of aligning technical, regulatory, <br/>and economic strategies to fully realize hydropower’s potential. This alignment is key <br/>to ensuring the success of the Energy Transition, maintaining grid stability, and <br/>reinforcing Germany’s leadership in renewable energy development.

Author dc:creator

• Bohlinger, Michael

Contributors dc:contributor

• Juergen Spitznagel, Lijun Tang

Language dc:language

eng

Repository record dc:identifier

https://pearl.plymouth.ac.uk/pbs-theses/302

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:pearl.plymouth.ac.uk:pbs-theses-1301