Evaluating and planning flexibility in sustainable power systems

Power systems have traditionally been designed to provide flexibility in a context where demand is met by bulk generation. The integration of variable and uncertain renewable generation sources, such as wind, increases the flexibility needed to maintain the load-generation balance. This paper aims to provide a systematic approach to evaluate the flexibility level and investigate the role of flexibility in generation planning and market operation. An ‘offline’ index is proposed to estimate the technical ability of both the individual generators and the generation mix to provide the required flexibility. A dedicated unit construction and commitment (UCC) algorithm, able to consider plant investment and operation costs, is developed to determine the optimal investments in flexible generating units. Market simulation models are then implemented to determine the profits obtained from providing flexibility in different market designs. An adapted RTS-96 system is used to test the proposed models and the flexibility metric. Results demonstrate the validity of the UCC algorithm and the coherence of the proposed flexibility index. The analysis of the profits of flexibility shows that the market design plays an important role in the efficient deployment and subsequent profitability of flexibility resources.