Implications of environmental constraints in hydropower scheduling for a power system with limited grid and reserve capacity

Abstract

AbstractThe negative impacts of power systems on biodiversity have to be mitigated, while simultaneously ensuring affordable and secure electricity supply for the future. This may lead to trade-off situations where ecological, recreational or social needs are weighted against the need for flexible power supply. This paper explores the interaction between the security of electricity supply and environmental constraints on the operation of flexible hydropower plants in the Norwegian renewable-based power system. A long-term, stochastic scheduling model of a wind- and hydropower-dominated power system is used to assess the implications of environmental constraints and reserve capacity requirements in combination. The model is used for a representative case study where three types of environmental constraints are imposed on the operation of the hydropower plants in a region of the congested Norwegian power system. In addition, requirements for spinning and non-spinning reserve capacity have to be met. The case study results demonstrate varying impacts on the operation of the hydropower plants, curtailment of demand and provision of reserve capacity depending on the type of environmental constraint being imposed.