Distributed Energy Resources (DERs) play a crucial role in reducing grid congestion through several mechanisms:
Key Mechanisms to Reduce Grid Congestion
- Locational Benefits: DERs can be optimally sited to reduce grid congestion, defer, reduce, or avoid distribution system upgrade costs by providing energy closer to where it’s consumed. This locational value helps alleviate strain on specific parts of the grid.
- Peak Demand Management: DERs like solar plus storage can help manage peak demand by reducing the load on the grid during peak hours, thereby preventing overload and potential outages. This is achieved through demand response programs and managed charging of electric vehicles.
- Flexibility and Storage: DERs such as home batteries, electric vehicles, and smart thermostats can absorb excess renewable energy generated during off-peak times and use it during peak demand periods, reducing the need to draw from the main grid. This flexibility makes demand more responsive to supply conditions.
- Load Shifting: Technologies integrated into DER management systems allow for real-time monitoring and adjustment of energy consumption. This can shift energy usage from peak to off-peak hours, reducing strain on the grid. Demand flexibility initiatives, including load shifting, help optimize electricity costs while stabilizing the grid.
- Reducing Transmission Stress: By reducing local demand, DERs alleviate stress on the transmission system. This can reduce, defer, or avoid the need for new transmission investments, enhancing overall grid efficiency.
Conclusion
DERs offer a versatile approach to managing grid congestion by providing localized solutions to demand and supply imbalances, enhancing grid resilience, and reducing the need for costly infrastructure upgrades. Their ability to offer real-time adjustments to energy supply and demand makes them invaluable in the modernization of the energy grid.
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