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Probabilistic Prequalification Scheme of a Distribution System Operator for Supporting Market Participation of Multiple Distributed Energy Resource Aggregators

This paper addresses the need for distribution system operators to effectively manage uncertainties related to distributed energy resources. We propose a probabilistic approach using Polynomial Chaos Expansion, allowing the operator to balance economic efficiency with system reliability by setting a pre-determined acceptable violation probability. Moreover, we introduce a framework for integrating the capability of distributed energy resources aggregators to manage uncertainties through the uncertainty band commodity. Our methodology fairly distributes responsibility for constraint violations among various stakeholders by employing two allocation strategies: one based on Shapley Value and another based on sensitivity factors. The proposed system significantly improves the overall decision-making process by considering both economic and reliability factors within the prequalification process of distribution system operator.

Korean Power System Challenges and Opportunities: Priorities for Swift and Successful Clean Energy Deployment at Scale

With South Korea’s electricity demand expected to grow 30% by 2035, transitioning to clean energy resources will be critical in reducing the electric sector emissions and achieving national climate goals. Rapid technological improvements can help keep costs low and maintain grid reliability, if Korea’s government takes a coordinated approach to the clean energy transition. This policy brief identifies key barriers to Korea’s shift toward clean energy, based on the authors’companion report (A Clean Energy Korea by 2035: Transitioning to 80% Carbon-Free Electricity Generation), interviews with experts, and the most recent data and literature. It then explores policy solutions for overcoming these technological, economic, and institutional barriers, and suggests market transformation strategies to speed the adoption of clean energy technologies. Amid ongoing cost and technological improvements in wind, solar, and energy storage, advancing this report’s recommended policy actions with maximum coordination among government officials can meaningfully accelerate Korea’s clean energy transition.

A Clean Energy Korea by 2035 - Transitioning to 80% Carbon-Free Electricity Generation

The current global energy crisis has massive implications for the people and economy of South Korea (Korea), where at least 90% of energy use depends on foreign fossil fuels. Clean electricity accounts for only 39% of total generation, with electricity demand expected to increase 30% by 2035. This study shows that Korea can achieve 80% clean electricity by 2035 by capitalizing on rapid technological improvements and decreasing costs of solar, wind, and battery technology. Doing so would slightly lower electricity supply costs, significantly reduce dependence on imported natural gas and coal, and dramatically cut power sector emissions. Further, this study finds that Korea’s power grid under a clean energy scenario will maintain reliability without coal generation or new natural gas plants. To realize these significant economic, environmental, and energy security benefits, policies such as an 80% clean electricity standard by 2035 and corresponding renewable energy deployment goals are required.

Implementation Cost Estimation for Net Zero Electricity System based on Optimal Storage Mix Model

We evaluated the economic costs of the transition to a more sustainable energy system in South Korea to achieve carbon net zero emissions (NZE) by 2050. The analysis presented that to achieve this goal, it is necessary to reduce the use of fossil fuel-based power generation, increase the development of carbon-free power sources, and secure storage facilities. We calculated the total costs of energy storage for the Path-to-NDC, Path-to-NZE A, and Path-to-NZE B scenarios. We also investigated the effects of renewable energy output control, demand pattern adjustments, and hydrogen storage on the investment costs of energy storage. Using sensitivity analysis, we studied the consequences of a zero-curtailment policy, excluding long-term storage, and increasing nuclear power generation. Our findings provided invaluable insights into the potential of these solutions to facilitate the transition to a more sustainable power system in South Korea.

Determining Optimal Configuration of Distributed Renewable Energy Sources for Virtual Power Plants Participating in Wholesale Markets

Most distributed renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind turbine generators, exhibit significant uncertainty and variability in their outputs. In this work, we propose a method for determining the optimal portfolio for VPPs and evaluate it based on the uncertainty parameters and imbalance settlement rules for different markets. A mixed integer nonlinear programming approach combined with Monte-Carlo simulations is used to evaluate the proposed scheme. Numerical tests are performed using the model, and the results for two different portfolio configurations under certain market rules are compared.

Prequalification Scheme of a Distribution System Operator for Supporting Wholesale Market Participation of a Distributed Energy Resource Aggregator

Increasing penetration of distributed renewable energy sources (DRESs) has resulted in the emergence of distributed energy resource aggregators (DERAs). A DERA participates in the transmission-level market operated by a transmission system operator (TSO), and the DERA’s resources are connected to a jurisdiction of the distribution system operator (DSO). Inspired by the structure of the Korean power industry, this study assumes a minimal DSO that cannot directly dispatch the resources in its system. In this study, we develop a detailed procedure for prequalification wherein the DSO checks the DERA’s bids that are submitted to the TSO markets.