Conventional generation

Executive Summary

Generating units fueled by gas, oil, coal and also large hydro and nuclear power plants were basis of power system in XX and at the beginning of XXI century.

These generation are mostly operated in basic part of load curve. Their influence on power system modes, power supply security, stability, inertia and also environment is clear. Wholesale markets were created based on such types of generating units.

Together with energy transition, zero or low carbon emissions targets, RES generation integration, DER development including flexible generation on the consumers’ level, the role and character of conventional generation operation are and will be changed.

The main aim of SWG2 Task Force Group – Conventional Generation (TF Conventional Generation) is to investigate role of thermal generation in the power systems with high RES share and during energy transition.

The following type of generating units are chosen as conventional generation:

− Thermal power plants fueled by:  Gas, Coal, Oil.
− Nuclear power plant.

Hydro generation is separated of conventional generation as RES generation with high maneuverable characteristics and environmentally friendly operation features.
With the aim to summarize GO-15 members’ experience of current and future operation features and prospective of conventional generation, TF Conventional Generation launched Survey. Questions and responses are widely discussed in chapter 3.