Flexibility metrics for analysis of power system transition - A case study of Japan and Sweden

Abstract

This paper discusses how flexibility metrics can be used in analysis of the balancing challenges arising from power system transition towards high shares of variable renewable energy sources. Using some metrics suggested in the literature as a starting point, new metrics are developed that combine the advantages of existing metrics and improve the connection to flexibility properties and balancing capability metrics. The metrics are applied to scenarios with 50% variable renewable energy in Japan and Sweden as a case study. The results show differences and similarities in the balancing challenges of these two systems. While diurnal variations increase more in Japan, Sweden is challenged by inter-week and seasonal variations. The results also show how the feasibility of inflexible base power production depends on large volumes of energy storage in the system.