Assessing Energy Transition Scenarios for Islands through Network Reliability and Power Flow Analysis

Abstract

This paper presents a methodology for the reliability and power flow assessments of island/off grid power networks for situations of scarce data and information. This could be a useful tool to help decision makers replacing fossil fuel with renewable energy sources for the off grid/ Island power networks. The aim of the paper is to present and apply a general methodology, informing the decision making towards sustainable island communities. Ushant Island, a small French island, is considered as a case study. The assessment of the current power network status and the reliability analysis reliability are presented. The grid performance parameters are further compared for conventional diesel generator operation and renewable energy generation scenarios to emphasis the advantages of replacing the ordinary diesel units with renewable energy sources in terms of system reliability and network future structure plan. It provides recommendations for the system structure.