A multi - criteria approach to expansion planning of wind power plants in electric power systems

The paper addresses the problems of expansion planning of wind power plants in electric power systems. The Monte-Carlo simulation is used to estimate the wind power plants electricity output on the basis of wind velocities in the area. The general expansion problem is formed as a two level hierarchical multi-criteria problem. At the upper level of hierarchy consideration is given to the state policy of stimulating of power companies to introduce the renewable power sources. At the lower level power companies substantiate their decisions on expansion taking into account the state policy and coordinate these decisions with the neighboring companies. The approach is illustrated by the specific example of the two vertically- integrated power companies in the Baikal region with account for wind conditions in this area.