National innovations in wind power integration: The cases of Denmark and Spain

Kathy Araujo

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

1 Scopus citations

Abstract

Variability and economics are often raised as challenges to wind power use. Wind leaders like Spain and Denmark provide insights on how such challenges may be addressed. This paper examines Spanish and Danish wind integration, focusing on power systems and economic support, to inform those yet to tap this abundant resource. Findings indicate that co-evolution of grid specialization, feed-in tariffs and market premiums reflect a shared strategy for scale-up, while differences exist in load management and settlement of public service obligations (PSOs). Scale-up is expected to advance provided that adequate grid and PSO adaptation continues. Clean energy has emerged among global priorities, as the world prepares for the next stage of formal, climate negotiations and stimulus package funding prioritizes 'green' jobs. Drivers like fuel price volatilities, supply constraints and increased climate change awareness rank among the stimuli that are spurring policy-makers and other electricity constituencies to turn a more informed eye to sustainable energy options. Wind energy, the fastest growing form of sustainable energy, surmounts many of the issues of more conventional fuels - not simply as an alternative, but as a viable, mainstream form of power generation. Spain and Denmark, have already demonstrated this with substantial amounts of wind power integrated into their standard power use, yet few countries to date draw upon this abundant, renewable energy source in their energy balances. Examining advances of early leaders, like Spain and Denmark, should be instructive to the next generation of wind powers now emerging. This paper explores two fundamental areas affecting the integration of wind power in Spain and Denmark since 1990, namely the power systems and a class of public service obligations in order to understand the adaptations that have been conducive to wind power scale-up. Drawing upon interviews and power sector analysis, findings show that shared strategies include system optimization, grid code specialization, feed-in tariffs and market-based premiums, while notable differences exist in the country-specific approaches to load management and cost settlement of public service obligations. Scale-up is expected to advance provided that adequate adaptation of the grid and address of PSOs continue.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationEuropean Wind Energy Conference and Exhibition 2010, EWEC 2010
Pages2938-2939
Number of pages2
StatePublished - 2010
EventEuropean Wind Energy Conference and Exhibition 2010, EWEC 2010 - Warsaw, Poland
Duration: 20 Apr 201023 Apr 2010

Publication series

NameEuropean Wind Energy Conference and Exhibition 2010, EWEC 2010
Volume4

Conference

ConferenceEuropean Wind Energy Conference and Exhibition 2010, EWEC 2010
Country/TerritoryPoland
CityWarsaw
Period20/04/1023/04/10

Keywords

  • Co-evolution
  • Denmark
  • Economic support
  • Feed-in tariffs
  • Market premiums
  • Power systems
  • Public service obligations
  • Spain
  • Wind power integration

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