Grid Integration of Renewable Energy Sources: A Review

Abstract

The increasing deployment of renewable energy sources, particularly solarand wind, is essential for sustainable electricity supply but poses significantchallenges for their integration into the power grid. This review synthesisescurrent understanding of the grid integration of renewable energy sources. It examines the challenges arising from the characteristics of renewablegeneration, including intermittency, variability and the use of powerelectronic interfaces, and reviews the technologies and approaches used toaddress them, such as power electronic converters, energy storage, advanced control and grid reinforcement. The literature indicates that the variable and converter-interfaced nature of renewable generation creates challenges for power balance, stability, power quality and protection, and that a combination of technologies and approaches is required to integrate renewables reliably. The review emphasises the roles of power electronics, energy storage and advanced control. It concludes that the grid integration of renewable energy sources is a critical area for sustainable power systems, and highlights the research directions required to support increasing penetration of renewables. KEYWORDS: Renewable Energy, Grid Integration, Power Systems, PowerElectronics, Energy Storage, Solar Energy, Wind Energy, Power Quality.