Power Systems Planning and Operation

An expanded and renewable-ready grid is the backbone of reliable, affordable and clean energy.

SAGEN supports Eskom with the strategic coordination and optimization of the transmission and distribution grid as new generation technologies are introduced. It employs advanced planning and operational strategies to enhance the sustainability and resilience of the power system, adding to South Africa’s energy security and long-term development goals.

Project Highlights

SAGEN provides technical assistance and capacity building to a cohort of Eskom experts to prepare and execute studies that identify and prevent potential system stability threats that could be as a result of an increasing distribution of renewable energy generators.

Bringing in examples and expertise from international best practices, SAGEN offers recommendations for standards and guidelines to support Eskom Energy Transition initiatives.

SAGEN supports Eskom in the development of a generator connection code summarising all connection requirements as well as preparing recommendations for further improvement of the codes.

SAGEN supports Eskom in the structured and continuous identification of hosting capacities as well as their visualisation in an online platform. This work aims to help developers identify areas with connection capacity and avoid unnecessary project preparation expenses.

Featured Experts

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Power Systems Planning and Operation

Relevant Publications

Fact Sheet Power System Planning and Operation

Energy System Transformation A guide for Power Systems Planners, Operators and Technical Assistance Providers

Assessing the impact of increasing shares of variable generation on system operations in South Africa (Flexibility Study)

Analysis of options for the future allocation of PV farms in South Africa

FAQ

How do variable renewable energies impact the planning and operation of electricity networks?

Renewable energies require electricity networks to become more flexible and adaptive to manage variable energy supply and maintain grid reliability.

How does power system planning support the energy transition?

renewable energy safely, maintain reliable supply, and meet growing and changing energy demands. Effective power system planning also supports the expansion and modernisation of the electricity grid, enables greater flexibilization in the power system, and helps accommodate evolving technologies and changing demand patterns.

Why are electricity networks becoming a bottleneck in the energy transition?

Many existing electricity networks lack the capacity and infrastructure needed to connect and transmit growing amounts of renewable energy quickly and reliably, resulting in delays to integration and electricity delivery.

Are renewable energies reliable? What do we do when the sun doesn’t shine and the wind doesn’t blow?

Renewable energies are most certainly reliable. Due to their natural intermittent/variable nature, renewable energy can be supported by energy storage, flexible power systems, diversified energy sources, and backup generation balances supply and demand.

Key Results

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ESKOM ENGINEERS

During this phase of the programme 150+ Eskom engineers have benefited from capacity building activities amongst others on system stability, power quality, protection and Electromagnetic Transients (EMT) studies.

Distribution Network Operations Planning

The support work saw the development of a Distribution Network Operations Planning (DNOP) standard. Which is necessary to ensure stability and security of the sub-transmission and distribution systems.

Guideline

Developed a guideline for Recommended Practice for Grid Code Compliance Studies for Renewable Energy Power Plants and Hybrid Power Plants.