Integration of wind power into Alberta’s electric system and market operation

At the present time there is nearly 6 GW of interest in wind power development into a nearly 12 GW Alberta integrated electric system (AIES). Integration of large-scale wind power into the AIES presents significant challenges to both system and market operation. First, we need to understand and identify the impacts on current system and market operation based on specific characteristics of the AIES. Second, we need to assess and identify potential mitigation solutions for the AIES. Then in concert with industry, we need to design and implement the solutions and incorporate these into business practices of AIES system and market operation. This paper will present and discuss related work done or lead by the AESO in order to accommodate large scale wind power development in AIES.