Abstract

Building large power stations is a very lengthy process that includes planning, financing, procurement and construction stages. For that reason countries develop least-cost master plans to estimate the types of power stations and commissioning dates ahead of time. Additionally, power systems operators need to ensure that energy is delivered into costumers reliably on real time. The above tasks are performed using sophisticated mathematical algorithms than ensure cost minimization. The process is called least-cost power systems planning. In general, power systems planning includes: Short-term planning: The day-ahead scheduling of units to satisfy the electricity demand Long-term planning: Decisions on what types of power plants to build and their commissioning dates One of the main focus of power systems planning is integration of variable renewable sources like solar and wind. Due to the a) variable and b) uncertain nature of the solar and wind resource, large-scale integration of such sources introduces operational and planning risks. Short-term scheduling of units becomes more challenging while long-term plans need to include technical solutions (like more flexible capacity and energy storage) to facilitate absorption of renewable energy. During the presentation the following topics will be discussed:

1. Basics of power systems operations
2. Optimization methods for long-term and short-term planning
3. Real world cases

Short CV

Thomas Nikolakakis holds a M.Eng from the Technical University of Crete in Environmenal Engineering and a M.Sc /Ph.D from Columbia University in Power Systems Planning. While a PhD candidate Thomas developed a least-cost dispatch optimization model that focuses on detailed thermodynamic representation of compressed air energy storage (CAES) units. The model was applied to simulate the operation of the Irish grid and estimate risks related to very high integration of wind electricity. Currently Thomas works as an energy consultant providing technical analysis and advisory services for developing countries. Some examples of his latest project portfolio include:

• Assessment of the technical and economic viability of the 1GW, $1.5 billion worth Kaniv pumped hydro unit in Ukraine
• Least-cost long term plans for the power systems of Kazakhstan and Bosnia being part of the World Bank’s bi-annual power sector notes
• Analysis to identify the impact of carbon pricing on long-term planning (comparing the systems of Bangladesh and South Africa)
• Currently helping the Sri Lankan state-owned electricity producer estimate the maximum amount of solar and wind that can be integrated into their power system by 2020