Matching supply and demand: grid and storage

In this report, the environmental impacts of different electricity supply technologies are analysed on a per-kWh basis and as implemented in International Energy Agency (IEA) scenarios. Energy resources, however, differ in their spatial and temporal distribution. As electricity supply needs to match electricity demand for the reason of stability, a transmission and distribution grid system is required not only to transport the electricity to customers but also to ensure an adequate quality of supply in terms of voltage, frequency, and reliability. The characteristics of resources and technologies for electricity generation, as well as the characteristics of power demand, have important implications for the design of the transmission and distribution system. A high fraction of variable renewable energy (VRE) sources such as wind and solar energy presents a special challenge to system operation; these sources may require energy storage or flexible demand. In this Chapter, we discuss implications for electricity transmission and distribution of different generation technologies and system configurations, evaluate the need for electricity storage, and review assessments of environmental impacts of such systems.

Sustainable Development Goals:

Affordable and Clean Energy

Climate Action