What Does It Take to Bring Stability to a Renewable-Focused Grid?

This article explores the challenges of maintaining stability in a renewable-focused power grid as traditional power plants are retired and wind and solar resources are added. It discusses issues such as the loss of inertia and reactive power, voltage fluctuations, and the need to balance supply and demand. The article provides examples from Chile and Australia where grid stability problems have arisen due to the increasing penetration of renewables. It also discusses various technologies, such as capacitor banks, static VAR compensators (SVCs), and synchronous condensers, that can help manage reactive power and maintain grid stability. The use of repurposed steam and gas turbines as synchronous condensers, as well as the installation of synchronous condensers in Scotland and Estonia, are highlighted as solutions to stabilize the grid and manage renewable energy integration. [Extracted from the article]