Photovoltaics (PV) is fast becoming a major source of electricity worldwide. In countries like Australia, PV already provides more than 10% of total energy production, and this percentage is projected to increase over the coming years. With this increase, PV systems and PV hybrids will need to take on more responsibility for grid stability by providing ‘ancillary services’.
‘Ancillary services’ are the services necessary for the secure and reliable operation of a transmission or distribution power system. All grid users, including conventional power plants, renewable energy sources, storage units, and flexible loads, are responsible for providing these services.
The status and potential of PV ancillary services is explored in a new report “PV as an Ancillary Service Provider 2021” released by the International Energy Agency PV Power System Programme.
The full media release can be found here, and the report here