 On a very windy day (or more problematicallydnight) total generation may be far

abovewhat is required. Solar generation has a similar effect at times of peak output
and low demand.
 In fact there are three separate problems concerning an increased penetration of
renewable energy: short-term fluctuations, medium-term fluctuations, and network
congestion.
 Fluctuations in power output occur in power systems with a high proportion of wind
power and also solar photovoltaic (PV) generation. Cloud cover can cause rapid ramp-
up and ramp-down events.
 wind generation is notoriously unpredictable on an hour-by-hour, dayby-day basis.
 wind turbines have overspeed limiters installed, which curtail generation during the
highest wind speeds, resulting in a sudden drop in wind power output. While this may
not occur frequently, it presents another requirement for power system balancing for
the power system operator
 Arrangements already exist for the balancing of the network in thevery short run,
measured in seconds, through frequency regulation contracts or, primary, secondary,
and tertiary control. Since the market already exists for these contracts the main
challenge to its introduction would be technical. In theory, frequency regulation could
be an important function for batteries and other fast-acting electrical energy storage
options. Such devices would, however, be competing against existing generators,
which are running at slightly below their maximum capacity and are thus able to
ramp-up rapidly to provide additional generation. A storage device can perform a
similar duty, and is also able to absorb energy to deal with overfrequency. However,
the cycle life of the storage device could be critical as it would have to charge and
discharge many times per hour in some applications.
 t is clear that an interconnection with other systems not only reduces the risk of a
system-wide failure but also expands competition in reserve markets. Although
interconnections can be used to mitigate risks from large weather systems affecting
renewable plant across an entire territory, even with large dispersals in plant there is
still a risk of a systemic failure of renewable generation.
 There remains considerable debate on this matter, with some advocating
interconnection as a solution to the problem, while others preferring to rely on local
systems with distributed storage and to have the additional system resilience provided
by microgrids
 both interconnections and local system methods such as balancing generation or
storage will be required.
 storage are to provide energy balancing, frequency control, and reserves
 Much has been written about the need for storage from a technical perspective, but
much less is understood as to the means of cost recovery for the investment in
technology. There needs to be greater clarity in the true, overall costs of running the
 electricity system, understanding the
relativecostsofdifferenttypesofgeneration,andtheeffectsof different modes of operation
 Numerous storage technologies and flexibility options are available for balancing
demand and supply. There is no lack of available technologies and even for 100%
renewable energy scenarios the existing storage technologies can solve the storage
demands. However, it is necessary to categorize the different storage technologies and
flexibility options into classes