This report provides utilities with recommendations and examples of success stories aimed at informing the design of decision support tools, solutions and strategies for integrating more wind energy into their own power systems.

The integration of wind energy into the power grid introduces additional variability and uncertainty into grid operations beyond that created by system load. It has been said by some in the utility industry that the integration of large amounts of wind energy into the power grid requires a paradigm shift in how the grid is operated.

This report provides an evaluation of how system operations worldwide are changing in response to increases in wind penetration. It provides unique insights into what has worked well, what has not, and how operators see the future of their responsibilities changing as we introduce more wind into the grid.

This report constitute the first time grid operators from across the globe have provided consolidated feedback on how wind energy is affecting them and what concrete measures are being taken to manage the system in the face of the increased challenges posed by the increased variability and uncertainty presented by wind generation.

The findings of the report can help to increase the industry-wide understanding of the operational impacts of wind integration and how wind power forecast is being used today. The identified practices from a broad group of utilities can be a foundation to fast-tracking the training of dispatchers. This report could also inform the formulation of regulatory policies for wind energy, as well as aid in the establishment of future operating procedures and practices for managing wind integration in the control room environment.

Read Strategies and decision support systems for integrating variable energy resources in control centers for reliable grid operations: global best practices, examples of excellence and lessons learned.