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7 Results and Conclusions
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7.2 Feasibility Assessment and Conclusions
The conclusions sum up the essential findings of the Feasibility Study, which have been commonly agreed and shared by the study partners. This now allows stakeholders to initiate further activities. Although the conclusions indicate that a synchronous coupling appears technically viable, it must be considered as a long-term option. The findings underline the overall complexity of a synchronous coupling, firstly, in the context of system security and overall reliability, but also from the standpoint of its operability in the underlying electricity markets.
The conclusions of the Study are:
- The UCTE-IPS/UPS Feasibility Study was completed after a 36 month investigation in accordance with the Cooperation Agreement and the Terms of Reference agreed between both parties.
- The UCTE-IPS/UPS Feasibility Study investigated the synchronous coupling of the IPS/UPS and the UCTE power systems taking into consideration the key technical, organisational and legal aspects. The project itself is unique in respect to its ambitions, geographical extension and the scope of work. Although endeavours to analyse a synchronous coupling have previously been undertaken, this investigation is unprecedented in regard to the resources employed, the skilled experts involved and methodologies applied. The Study has delivered substantial achievements for the experts and company executives of both systems, in terms of working methods, tools implemented and the building up of mutual understanding.
- The Study provides verification that a synchronous coupling between the UCTE and the IPS/UPS is feasible. This can be achieved by implementing a number of technical, operational and organisational measures, as well as by establishing the legal framework that was identified during the investigation. As the implementation phase for carrying out the identified measures and conditions is recognized as a long process, a synchronous coupling should be considered as a long term perspective. In order to achieve a joint, world-largest electricity market platform between the UCTE and the IPS/UPS synchronous areas, the construction of asynchronous links may also be considered for system coupling. This certainly deserves further consideration and investigation by the stakeholders concerned.
- The transfer capacities across the interface in the steady state analyses indicated that the potential power exchanges between the UCTE and the IPS/UPS are limited. This is mainly due to the internal congestions in the systems concerned. Therefore, a synchronous coupling would require investments in the transmission grids on both sides of the interface in order to maintain the transfer capacities available to the present markets in the two synchronous areas. Additional transmission system investment will be necessary to ensure any significant increases in power exchanges.
- The performed dynamic stability analyses underlined the sensitivity to inter-area power oscillations within the synchronously coupled system structure. While ordinary operational disturbances can be withstood by both the coupled and uncoupled systems, severe disturbances lead to wide-area oscillations in the coupled systems. This could lead to the reduction in system security. The necessary countermeasures require investments both in the generation and transmission sectors.
- The Study illustrates the overall complexity of the IPS/UPS and the UCTE synchronous interconnection when it comes to key organisational and legal aspects. The realization of any resulting technical solutions for a synchronous coupling within an adequate legal and regulatory framework may only be achieved in the long term. The establishment of the legal basis for a reliable platform in synchronously coupled electricity markets would have to incorporate organisational and operational resolutions that correspond with EU standards. This would imperatively require the implementation of firm interzonal, bilateral and multilateral agreements, which would have to be signed by all companies concerned and approved by their respective stakeholders.
- The Study reveals the need for further investigations in order to refine and endorse the above mentioned measures and requirements. Major areas identified for further studies are:
- The verification of the IPS/UPS dynamic performance by means of observations being carried out over a longer period, followed by in-depth dynamic simulations on advanced dynamic models that are able to ensure reliable simulation results.
- The analyses of emergency situations in the IPS/UPS caused by severe disturbances that have not been experienced by the system up to now. The purpose of this would be to adapt and harmonize the current existing operational guidelines, defence and restoration plans of both synchronous areas.
- The analyses of technical and organisational aspects for the synchronous operation of a number of control blocks that are being considered in the IPS/UPS.
- The completion of the Feasibility Study has opened a new era in the cooperation between Western and Eastern TSOs and the companies responsible for the reliable operation of the transmission systems. This is in the interest of the electricity industry as well as reaping lasting benefits for the citizens in both the EU and the CIS.
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