Stability in an electricity grid means maintaining a consistent supply of power
Frequency Control, Keeping the frequency of the electrical system stable (typically around 50 or 60 Hz) to ensure the proper functioning of electrical devices
Voltage Control. Maintaining the voltage levels within a specific range to prevent damage to equipment and ensure efficient operation
Traditional power plants with rotating generators provide inertia, which helps to stabilize the grid by maintaining momentum even when there are sudden changes in power supply
Weather dependent renwables (solar, wind, to lesser extent hydro), suffer:
Variability: Solar power depends on sunlight, which varies throughout the day and is affected by weather conditions
Intermittency: Unlike traditional power plants, renewable energy sources cannot generate power continuously
Lack of Inertia: Renewable energy systems like solar arrays and wind turbines lack the rotating mass found in traditional generators, which means they do not provide the same level of inertia to help stabilize the grid
Grid Infrastructure: Traditional grids are designed for centralized, predictable power generation. Integrating distributed and variable renewable energy sources requires significant upgrades to grid infrastructure to handle fluctuations in power supply