High resolution simulations of increased renewable penetration on Central European transmission grid

High spatial and temporal resolution optimal power flow simulations of the 2013 and 2020 interconnected grid in Central Western Europe and Central Eastern Europe regions are undertaken to assess the impact of an increased penetration of renewables. In contrast to prior studies, the present work models the individual transmission lines and power plants within the two regions. It is shown that the planned 2020 developments of the AC grid reduce the mean loading of the grid from 34% to 24%. Most impacted are north-south lines in Germany. The planned developments of HVDC lines further reduce the loading on the AC grid to 22%, as the HVDC lines provide a low-loss transmission solution for the abundant wind energy in northern Germany. Physical loop flows in central Europe increase by 15% for planned 2020 penetration levels of renewables; however these loop flows are reduced by 15% with addition of German HVDC lines.