Balancing of Wind Power Variations Using Norwegian Hydro Power

Abstract

This paper addresses the role of Norwegian hydro power to provide balancing power to a future wind dominated European power system. Two power market models, one simplified and one detailed are used to model possible responses of Norwegian hydro power to a wind driven exchange pattern for various amounts of exchange capacity. The case analysed assume a 2030 scenario for wind generation in Europe and an increase in exchange capacity between Norway and Europe from 2300 MW to 5800 MW. We find that the generation constraints and the exchange capacity, and not the aggregated reservoir size, are the most important limiting factors for the amount of balancing the Norwegian hydro power system can provide.