New York and California tackle grid integration of widespread solar and wind generation

The two states are leading efforts to tackle greater use of what are called distributed energy resources, which create electricity locally that can be utilized within the grids distribution circuits without need for delivery over large transmission lines.

The increasing adoption of renewable energy resources nationwide provides many technical challenges for utilities long accustomed to sending electricity from remote locations toward urban areas. A new policy paper by the Center for Sustainable Energy and the UC Berkeley Energy & Resources Group provides technical, market and policy context for grid integration of solar and wind generation and compares the approaches underway in New York and California.


The two states are leading efforts to tackle greater use of what are called distributed energy resources, which create electricity locally that can be utilized within the grids distribution circuits without need for delivery over large transmission lines. These technologies include renewable sources such as wind and solar power that are intermittent and require strategic planning and policies, such as system analyses, performance incentives and demonstration projects, to achieve clean energy goals.

"When solar and wind use was low, grid operators could largely ignore the existence of distributed renewables," said Steve Weissman, senior policy advisor at the Center for Sustainable Energy. "Now, they need to understand the magnitude of the intermittent generation of renewables and develop approaches to seamlessly integrate that generation into grid operations."

Even though California and New York are starting with different assumptions, their efforts to identify beneficial approaches and push hard for distributed energy resources is setting the bar for renewable energy integration across the nation, according to Weissman.

In the policy paper, Distributed Generation Planning: A Case Study Comparison of California and New York Proceedings, the researchers explain that both states intend to rely on granular analyses of their energy systems, as well as increased communication and monitoring, to create a foundation for major changes in their electricity grids. The states are creating pathways for direct engagement between energy customers, distribution utilities and state policymakers and regulators. Inevitably, their efforts will lead to greater understanding and dissemination of ideas to other states that may be inclined to follow suit.

Californias regulators, with strong direction from the state legislature, are now focused on the technical implications of distributed resource deployment, though a Distribution Resources Plan proceeding that asks how the traditional utilitys planning process can better anticipate, rely on and serve distributed resources.

Through its Reforming the Energy Vision process, New York is re-envisioning its utilities as operators of an open-access distribution system designed to facilitate private generation and investment decisions and to encourage distributed installations in the places where it could create the greatest benefit to the grid.

"Of course, these two states are not alone in their quest to find the optimal relationship between traditional distribution utilities and the growing adoption of renewable distributed resources," Weissman said. "No doubt even more states will engage in this quest in 2017 and beyond."



# # #
About the Center for Sustainable Energy®
Accelerating the transition to a sustainable world powered by clean energy
Founded in 1996, the Center for Sustainable Energy (CSE) is a mission-driven nonprofit dedicated to developing a clean energy future that addresses climate change, increases energy independence and generates lasting economic and environmental benefits. CSE empowers such innovation by leveraging its expertise in clean transportation, distributed energy resources, energy efficiency, energy engineering and regulatory and policy support. As a trusted advisor, CSE partners with clients of all sizes to achieve their sustainability objectives through a suite of energy services that include comprehensive program design and management, research and analysis, technical advising, incentive and rebate management, and education and outreach. CSE is headquartered in San Diego with offices in Boston; Los Angeles; Berkeley, Calif.; and Portland, Ore. Learn more at EnergyCenter.org.

Featured Product

U.S. BATTERY RENEWABLE ENERGY SERIES DEEP CYCLE BATTERIES

U.S. BATTERY RENEWABLE ENERGY SERIES DEEP CYCLE BATTERIES

Our RE Series batteries are designed to provide the highest peak capacity, longest cycle life, and greatest reliability for use in industrial or residential renewable energy applications. Renewable Energy Series batteries utilize the company's exclusive XC2™ formulation and Diamond Plate Technology® to create the industry's most efficient battery plates, delivering greater watt-hours per liter and watt-hours per kilogram than any other flooded lead-acid battery in the market. Our Deep Cycle batteries are engineered to work with solar panels as well as other renewable energy applications.