A sharp drop in frequency caused by a network disconnection in the European power network on January 8th caused an almost total power failure, a so-called blackout.
This could be compensated for by acting in solidarity within Europe, with some countries removing some of their electricity customers from the network and others adding additional electricity capacity. Power plants with renewable energies were not involved in this incident, according to Herbert Saurugg, blackout and crisis prevention expert. In a conversation with Futurezone, he reported on how these could affect the stability of the network in the future.
Changed system behavior through solar, water and wind energy
The challenge in restructuring the generation landscape and thus expanding renewable energies lies in creating an energy cell system in which generation, consumption and storage can be coordinated regionally. The expansion of solar, water and wind energy leads to different system behavior due to the demands on the entire system.
Losses in performance until the end of 2022
The current problem is that many conventional power plants are reaching their end of life and the increasing dismantling of coal and nuclear power plants means that enormous line losses are certain by the end of 2022. However, under the current circumstances, it is not yet worthwhile for many operators to invest in alternative power plants or new storage systems. However, building these now is essential for the energy transition, says Saurugg.
Security of supply versus climate protection?
Climate and energy expert Jasmin Duregger is also in favor of expanding renewable energies and intelligent storage systems. Climate protection and security of supply should not be played off against each other. In doing so, she contradicts the statements of Peter Weinelt, head of the Gas and Heat Association and deputy general director of Wiener Stadtwerke. Meanwhile, this calls for the versatility of all energy sources to be focused on and is thus bringing climate-damaging gas power plants into discussion as a possible solution.
Energy storage problems
The expansion of storage options for renewable energies, which is being demanded by many sides, poses a challenge for those responsible. Due to the irregular availability - there is excess capacity in summer and a lack of it in winter - systems are now needed to compensate for this, says Gerhard Christiner from Austira Power Grid. It would be possible to use battery storage, although this would depend on deliveries from abroad.
There are currently enough power plants in Austria
If there are further bottlenecks like the most recent incident on January 8th, there would currently still be enough power plants in Austria to be able to close energy gaps. He sees the near blackout as a warning signal that brings the question of how to proceed with the energy transition back into focus.
Herbert Saurugg, however, warns of possible “cascade effects” in the event of a malfunction, in which small breakdowns can have enormous consequences if safety measures are not taken in time.
Sources:
Why is the risk of blackouts increasing in Europe?
(futurezone.at) This is how Europe narrowly avoided a total power failure (futurezone.at)
Article image: Shutterstock / By Menna
Guest author: Annika Hommer from “ Something With Writing ”
Similar topic: #DCBlackout – The network and internet outage that never happened
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