The Role of GCC Interconnection for Renewable Energy Penetration

Abstract

Currently, it is the intention of all member countries in the Gulf region to diversify individual energy mix to reduce their dependence on fossil fuel and the integrations of cleaner and sustainable energy to reduce the carbon emission in the atmosphere. Furthermore, the optimistic development of Renewable Energy Sources (RES) technology and cost reduction is another driver to encourage Gulf Countries to integrate more RES into their electrical grids and consider RES in their future plans.The impact of high penetration of RES on GCC countries power grids has been reduced significantly due to the existence of GCCIA grid that interconnects the six Gulf Member Countries power system through 400 kV and 220 kV network and 3-pole BtB HVDC converter facility which enhanced the GCC interconnected power system performance, for instance increases the system Inertia and the frequency response of the combined power system. Cross border Interconnection projects are the best low-cost way to overcome the operational challenges of integrating renewable energy into the power grids.This paper discusses the role of GCC Interconnector in improving system response and facilitating future penetration of RES based on international experiences of interconnections for better understanding the impact and introduce new operational philosophy. Interconnection operation capabilities like GCCIA introduces smoothing effect of significant variable RES on the grid considering that it will drive an evolution preferably power system planning and operation in future.Moreover, this paper highlights the operational challenges and opportunities, which is in line with integration of RES into electrical grids and how these possible challenges can be addressed in a proper perspective. The goal is to enlighten operational awareness for renewable uncertainty and what are the challenges from system operations perspective. Finally, it will present the conclusion to look forward to set the international best practice and operational procedures resulting to secure introducing renewable energy at interconnection with coordinated involvement of all GCC TSO’s stockholders.