From 20 to 50 percent of Wind Energy in the Danish power system

What's it going to take to run fully on wind power?

A fascinating presentation from a system operator running already a large share on wind power, and considering the next step towards 50%. If 50% of Denmark's electricity is provided by wind, there are going to be many moments when the system runs fully on wind, and in periods of strong wind and low demand, it is even conceivable that there is too much wind for the energy needed.

So as a case study for the future, it's interesting to see what solutions Denmark foresees for its wind future:

• Strong interconnections with neighbouring countries, to import power deficits, and export surplus
• Activate CHP capacity from system operation. However, the presentation does not mention what impact this has on CHP efficiency.
• Promotion of price responsive demand, with introduction of new technologies, such as heat pumps and electric boilers, in combination with smart grids to make these energy users participate to balacing.
• Electricity and heat storage

All these technologies come at a cost, and a careful selection of the appropriate mix will define the cost and relability of the future power system.

It's also interesting to observe that a renewable energy systems is facilitated by increased uses of electricity for transport and heat.

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