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• Press Release “Study on balancing renewable electricity”

• Press Release Advance publication (German)

• Advance publication of the study “Balancing Renewable Electricity” (20 September 2011)

• Project Co-ordinator: Dr.-Ing. Bert Droste-Franke, Dipl.-Phys.

• Duration: 1/09–12/11

• Funding: Deutsches Zentrum für Luft- und Raumfahrt e.V. (DLR)

• Further Information on „Energy“

Advance publication of the study “Balancing Renewable Electricity” (20 September 2011)

Considering ambitious targets for the extension of renewable energies, challenges arise for their future-oriented integration into the energy system without jeopardizing the security of electricity supply, particularly in case their power supply is fluctuating. Smart co-ordination of demand and supply of electrical energy, which can be interpreted as operating a virtual power plant, and the integration of energy storages represent promising approaches for solving this problem without retaining backup capacities operated with fossil fuels.

The aim of this project is, first, to investigate the demand for balancing out electrical energy in a system with a high share of renewable energy. Based on the results, technological options like network expansion, centralised and de-centralised energy storages, smart grids, and the integration of electric vehicles will be analysed with respect to their technical and economical potentials as well as their future viability. Starting with examining the legal, economical and political framework conditions, strategies for balancing out supply and demand in electricity networks and for their gradual implementation are developed. Finally, scientifically founded recommendations should be given concerning supporting measures and the extension of technologies for balancing out fluctuating electricity supply due to the increasing application of renewable energies.

Energy