Wind Power Penetration and Integration in Rwanda

Abstract

Wind energy is the current “star” in the field of renewable energy for electrical production. Still, the power generated from available wind over time is characteristically uneven due to the unpredictable nature of their primary source of power. This only increases the problems inherent to the integration of a great number of wind technologies into power networks, making their contribution rather difficult to manage (regulating voltage and frequency, wind-station operation, etc.). The integration of wind power in the Rwandan electrical system is now an issue in order to optimize the utilization of the resource and in order to continue the high rate of installation of wind generating capacity, which is necessary in order to achieve the goals of sustainability and security of supply. This paper presents and is intended to analyse wind power penetration and integration in the country, impact and challenges that are associated with the integration of wind power into power systems and analyse barriers to wind power penetration and integration in Rwanda. These impacts include effects of wind power on the electrical system, capacity of national grid to accommodate wind power (stability of grid). In addition, the paper suggests the solutions that should be offered to improve the management of wind power generation and increase its penetration in the overall electrical energy production. Keywords: Wind power potential, Wind power penetration, Barriers to wind power penetration, National grid of Rwanda, Integration.