Cited by 186Power Systems and Renewable EnergyIntegrated Energy Systems OptimizationElectric Power System Optimization

The Impact of Integrating Variable Renewable Energy Sources into Grid-Connected Power Systems: Challenges, Mitigation Strategies, and Prospects

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Ejuh Che, Emmanuel, Roland Abeng, Kang, Iweh, Chu Donatus, Tsekouras, George J., Fopah-Lele, Armand·2025·Energies

Abstract

Although the impact of integrating solar and wind sources into the power system has been studied in the past, the chaos caused by wind and solar energy generation has not yet had broader mitigation solutions notwithstanding their rapid deployment. Many research efforts in using prediction models have developed real-time monitoring of variability and machine learning predictive algorithms in contrast to the conventional methods of studying variability. This study focused on the causes and types of variability, challenges, and mitigation strategies used to minimize variability in grids worldwide. A summary of the top ten cases of countries that have successfully managed variability in their electrical power grids has been presented. Review shows that most of the success cases embraced advanced energy storage, grid upgrading, and flexible energy mix as key technological and economic strategies. A seven-point conceptual framework involving all energy stakeholders for managing variability in power system networks and increasing variable renewable energy (VRE)-grid integration has been proposed. Long-duration energy storage, virtual power plants (VPPs), smart grid infrastructure, cross-border interconnection, power-to-X, and grid flexibility are the key takeaways in achieving a reliable, resilient, and stable grid. This review provides a useful summary of up-to-date research information for researchers and industries investing in a renewable energy-intensive grid.

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  • Unaddressed challenges in AI deployment in the energy sector are critical bottlenecks that risk impeding progress toward a decarbonized and equitable energy future.

    “unaddressed challenges in AI deployment-ranging from technical integration complexities to profound ethical dilemmas-are emerging as critical bottlenecks that risk impeding progress toward a decarbonized and equitable energy future [6,7].”

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Research works printed but not linked: 5

  1. IRENA-WMO. The 2022 Year in Review: Climate-Driven Global Renewable Energy Potential Resources and Energy Demand; IRENA: Geneva, Switzerland, 2023.
  2. Wiatros-Motyka, M.; Fulghum, N.; Jones, D. Global Electricity Review; EMBER: Wales, UK, 2024.
  3. IEA. NORWAY 2022: Energy Policy Review; IEA: Paris, France, 2022.
  4. Turner-Bandele, N.; Pandey, A.; Pileggi, L. A Risk-Managed Steady-State Analysis to Assess the Impact of Power Grid Uncertain- ties. arXiv 2022, arXiv:2111.10290. · arXiv
  5. Zaman, A. 100% Variable Renewable Energy Grid: Survey of Possibilities. Master Thesis, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA, 2018.

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Authors
Ejuh Che, E., Roland Abeng, K., Iweh, C. D., Tsekouras, G. J., & Fopah-Lele, A.
Affiliations
  • Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Technology, University of Buea, Buea P.O. Box 63, Cameroon
  • University of Bamenda (CM)
  • University of West Attica (GR)
  • Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Technology, University of Buea, Buea P.O. Box 63, Cameroon
Corresponding author
Tsekouras, George J.
Venue
Energies
Publisher
MDPI AG
Published
2025-02-02
Volume
18
Issue
3
Pages
689
ISSN
1996-1073 (ISSN-L)
OpenAlex
W4407088540
Cited by
160
References
84
Citations by year
2026: 96 · 2025: 64
FWCI
28.41
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Locations
  • Energies (publishedVersion, cc-by)
  • RePEc: Research Papers in Economics (submittedVersion)
  • DOAJ (DOAJ: Directory of Open Access Journals) (submittedVersion)
Topics
  • Physical Sciences › Energy › Energy Engineering and Power Technology › Power Systems and Renewable Energy
  • Physical Sciences › Engineering › Electrical and Electronic Engineering › Integrated Energy Systems Optimization
  • Physical Sciences › Engineering › Electrical and Electronic Engineering › Electric Power System Optimization
Keywords
variable renewable energy integration, wind power fluctuation, solar power variability, grid integration challenges, long-duration energy storage, virtual power plants, cross-border interconnections, power-to-X, grid flexibility, energy storage

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