How future-proof is the Continental European frequency control structure?

Abstract

Recent studies have discussed the operational challenges in the European power system which come along with the increasing penetration of intermittent generation in the coming years. Based on time sequential Monte Carlo simulations, this paper investigates to what extent a decentralized frequency control structure is appropriate with respect to three European scenarios. To evaluate the future adequacy of the current control structure and its active power reserves, a reduced simulation model, which determines the frequency quality in Continental Europe, is presented. The results reveal that the control framework is technically robust, but either the active power reserves need to be significantly increased by end-2020 to sustain the current real-time approach or the frequency control policy must be changed in favor of retrospectively averaging frequency deviations by means of joint control actions.