New article published in Energy Policy

A grid flexibility assessment by researchers at University of California, Berkeley and ETH Zurich finds that Philippines, Brunei, Singapore, Laos, and Thailand are the most well-equipped to integrate more renewable energy among ASEAN member nations. Advanced forecasting systems with improved interchange capacity and electricity market access are needed for countries to lower the costs of grid integration, reduce system-level reserve requirements, and improve the ability to utilize geographic diversity in each country, according to the study.

Six indicators studied were grid reliability, electricity market access, load profile ramp capacity, quality of forecasting tools, proportion of electricity generation from natural gas, and renewable energy diversity. Other important findings included nation-specific areas of priority for renewable energy grid integration, ASEAN’s sub-regional challenges and opportunities to meet electricity demands, and importance of regional coordination in readiness for renewable energy.

Grid flexibility describes the electric grid’s ability to respond to changing demands and variations in supply, which is a key resource for the integration of intermittent renewable energy, such as wind or solar, while maximizing the cost-effective role of clean energy. Assessing the grid flexibility of a nation’s grid indicates the preparedness for renewable energy. Energy systems across Southeast Asia are dramatically changing and the demand for renewable electricity is increasing at a rapid pace. With ASEAN’s target of 23% renewable electricity in its energy portfolio, these findings are crucial to guide ASEAN member nations on the infrastructure investments needed to meet proposed green energy targets.

These findings were published in Energy Policy journal on February 1, 2019. The paper can be accessed Download here.