Optimising renewable energy integration using grid-enhancing technologies

Globally, there is a push to increase the integration of renewable energy into power systems. However, this goal presents significant challenges, particularly in managing renewable energy curtailment due to network congestion. Short-term solutions such as dynamic line rating (DLR), power flow controllers (PFCs), and optimal transmission switching (OTS) offer potential relief from congestion and curtailment, thereby enhancing grid operation and facilitating greater renewable ener gy integration. Collectively, these technologies are known as grid-enhancing technologies (GETs). This paper aims to evaluate the effectiveness of GETs in optimising the utilisation of existing network infrastructure, with a specific focus on DLR and OTS, through a case study of the future Irish power system with high levels of renewable energy integration. A unit commitment problem is formulated that incorporates both DLR and OTS to assess how these technologies can support the integration of additional renewable energy sources, lower operational costs, and improve system flexibility. The results demonstrate that the deployment of GETs can significantly increase the accommodation of renewable energy sources and reduce their curtailment.