Intensity of using the non-traditional renewable energy sources capacity in the electric power industry: analysis of foreign and Russian experience

The competitiveness and cost indicators of power plants operating on non-traditional renewable energy sources (NTRES) are significantly affected by the intensity of power operation. This determined the relevance of this study. The purpose of the study is a comparative analysis of indicators characterizing the using intensity of power plants on NRES in the electric power industry of developed countries (USA, Germany, France and the United Kingdom) and in the Russian Federation. The objectives of the study include the substantiation and evaluation of indicators characterizing the intensity of operation of power plants using renewable energy sources in the Russian Federation and abroad. The study is based on the scientific works of the Russian scientists, materials of foreign reviews and is carried out using the analytical methods and economic analysis. The authors note that abroad these power plants are located in areas with favorable natural and climatic conditions, and then they are distinguished by the highest rates of operation of renewable energy generators (solar power plants in the USA, offshore wind power plants in the United Kingdom). NRES-based power plants in the Russian Federation are characterized by lower rates of capacity exploitation compared to similar power plants in developed countries. One of the reasons for this is the massive localization of renewable energy generation in the United Energy System of the South, accompanied by problems of integrating these energy sources into the energy system. In order to increase the intensity of operation of NRES power plants in the Russian Federation, it is necessary to plan their construction, taking into account the existing scale of NRES power in regional energy systems and the possibility of transmitting the generated electricity to consumers.