System Impact Studies

To quantify the system operational and performance issues related to Wind Power Facility development on the AIES, the AESO completed system studies of the impacts of wind power with growth scenarios of 10% (895 MW), 15% (1445 MW) and 20% (1994 MW) as a percentage of AIES peak load (2004). Phase one studied the incremental effects on reliability with increased wind power penetration, while phase two studied how the reliability impacts of wind power might be mitigated. The mitigation strategies explored include increasing regulating reserves, improving forecasting techniques and curtailment of wind power resources.