The Impact of Wind Energy on Generator Dispatch Profiles and Carbon Dioxide Production

This paper considers the impact of wind energy and forecast uncertainty on two important factors associated with power systems and sustainability, generator dispatch patterns and CO2 emissions. The impact of wind forecasting error on both of these factors is investigated via an AC OPF model and Monte Carol simulations using the 39-bus IEEE test system. Results of this analysis indicate that CO2 emissions reductions of 17% are achieved at 30% wind penetration, exceeding the 10% GHG reduction goal of the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI). Results also demonstrate that the variability in dispatch levels of base load units increases with wind penetration, and this variability impacts the resulting carbon dioxide emissions from the system.