2. Energy Transmission and Grid Integration Flashcards
What is a Transmission System Operator (TSO) and what are its key functions?
A TSO is an entity responsible for operating, maintaining, and developing the electricity transmission system in a country or region.
Key functions include managing the high-voltage transmission grid, ensuring system reliability and security, maintaining and upgrading the grid infrastructure, facilitating electricity markets, integrating renewable energy, managing cross-border interconnections, and complying with regulatory standards.
How do TSOs contribute to the integration of renewable energy?
TSOs play a crucial role in integrating renewable energy sources like wind and solar into the grid. This involves managing the intermittent nature of these energy sources and ensuring stable and reliable electricity supply despite the variability in renewable energy generation.
What are the responsibilities of TSOs regarding electricity transmission and grid stability?
TSOs are responsible for managing the high-voltage transmission grid, transporting electricity over long distances. They ensure the balance between supply and demand, maintain grid stability to prevent outages and blackouts, and develop the grid to meet future demands.
What are general substations and what are their key functions in the electrical grid?
General substations that transform voltage levels and facilitate the transmission and distribution of electricity. They connect different parts of the power grid, ensuring the efficient and safe delivery of electricity. Substations can transform voltage from high to low or vice versa for distribution to consumers.
What is a hub substation and what are its functions?
Hub substations are key nodes in the power grid where multiple transmission lines converge. They play a crucial role in managing the flow of electricity, integrating renewable energy, transforming voltage levels for distribution, enhancing reliability and efficiency.
What role do hub substations play in voltage transformation and grid reliability?
Hub substations transform the voltage of electricity, stepping down high voltage from transmission lines to levels suitable for distribution. They enhance the reliability and efficiency of the electricity supply, especially in complex grids with integrated renewable energy sources.
What is a Genco in the energy sector?
A Genco is a company specializing in electricity generation. They own and operate generation facilities like power plants using various sources, including renewable energy, and sell electricity to the grid or directly to consumers.
What is a Supplyco in the electricity market?
A Supplyco handles the retail and supply side of electricity, purchasing power from generators or wholesale markets and selling it to end-users. They manage customer service, billing, and sometimes offer energy efficiency services.
What is a Holdco in the energy industry?
A Holdco is a holding company owning sufficient stock in other companies (like Gencos or Supplycos) to control their policies and management. It forms a corporate group but is not directly involved in generating or selling electricity.
What is a TopCo?
A TopCo is the parent or holding entity at the highest level in a group of companies, owning the majority of shares or equity interests in its subsidiaries. It typically doesn’t engage in operational activities but manages investments, controls strategic direction, and provides support services to its subsidiaries.
Key functions include ownership and control, investment management, risk management, tax efficiency, and strategic planning. TopCos are essential in complex corporate structures, especially for multinational corporations, to streamline operations, manage risks, and optimise tax strategies.
What are ancillary services in the context of renewable energy?
Ancillary services refer to a range of operations and support services that help maintain grid stability and efficiency. These include load balancing, frequency control, voltage support, and emergency backup.
What is a meshed grid?
A meshed grid in the context of energy parks refers to an interconnected network where multiple energy sources, like wind, solar, and conventional power plants, are connected in a way that allows energy to flow through multiple pathways. This configuration enhances grid stability, reliability, and efficiency, as it provides flexibility in energy distribution and reduces the impact of outages in any single line.
What is Maximum Import Capacity (MIC) ?
Maximum Import Capacity (MIC) refers to the maximum amount of electricity that a customer can draw from the power grid at any one time. It’s an important measure for utilities and grid operators, as it helps in determining the capacity needs of the grid and ensuring its stability. For businesses or large energy consumers, their MIC determines the upper limit of their electricity usage capacity and can impact their energy procurement strategies.
What are private wires in renewable energy?
Private wires refer to electrical connections that are used to directly supply electricity from a renewable energy source, like a wind farm or solar plant, to a specific user or site, bypassing the public electricity grid. This setup allows for the efficient and direct use of generated renewable energy, often leading to cost savings and enhanced energy security for the user.
What does “Route to Market” (RTM) mean?
“Route to Market” refers to the strategies and channels used to sell or distribute generated electricity to end-users or into the power grid. The RtM is crucial for the financial viability of renewable energy projects, as it determines how electricity is monetized and impacts the project’s revenue model.
