Grid integration of solar power in northwest China

Abstract

Installed capacity of solar power in China is expected to ramp from 0.9 GW in 2010 to 160 GW in 2020. Understanding characteristics of this variable source of power and its potential impact on power system operation would be critical for its sustained development. This paper evaluates the resource availability of solar power and operational characteristic in Northwestern China, incorporating high resolution meteorological data and land use information. The regional power system is further modeled to analyze the potential impact of solar power on power grid. Unit commitment model is conducted on an hourly resolution for the entire year of 2020. Analysis has shown that Northwest China region could constitute to approximately 45% of China's total solar power potential, with an estimated annual average capacity factor ranging from 0.15–0.20. The results indicate that the growth of solar power in Gansu and Qinghai provinces in 13th Five Year Plan might be largely constrained by the grid integration, while this impact in other provinces in Northwest China (Shaanxi, Ningxia and Xinjiang) is relatively small.