Whether Wide-scale Risks of Integrating Solar Stations into Energetic System of Country Been Assessed?
What problems and risks may arise in the conditions of wide-scale investment of renewable energy sources in the energetic system of Armenia? The issue was on the agenda during the discussion held on June 15, 2021 at EcoLur Press Club.
Vahan Sargsyan, Director of Energy Strategy Center (ESC) of “Scientific Research Institute of Energy” CJSC, touched upon this issue.
Armenia has adopted "Strategic Plan for Development of Energy Sector in the Republic of Armenia (until 2040)", according to which the maximum possible increase in the share of renewable energy in the electroenergy balance will be at least 15% in 2030 in terms of solar energy.
"The more solar stations there are, the less variable, the system overload, where any small change can lead to a change in system parameters very quickly. Power stations do not feel the change in the frequency of the system, they just follow the frequency of the system," Sargsyan said.
The speaker presented, following the example of Germany and Ukraine, the problems that arise as a result of the widespread use of solar stations.
In Germany, as of 2019, renewable energy accounted for only 25% of all electricity generation, with the remaining 75% generated by traditional plants.
The share of variable renewable energy, solar wind, was 13-14%, which caused serious problems in the German energy system. The rest of the renewable energy falls on biogas, hydropower, geothermal and recycled solid waste.
In Germany, as of 2019, renewable energy accounted for only 25% of all electricity generation, with the remaining 75% generated by traditional plants.
The share of variable renewable energy, solar wind, was 13-14%, which caused serious problems in the German energy system. The rest of the renewable energy falls on biogas, hydropower, geothermal and recycled solid waste.
"Germany supplied electricity to Bulgaria at night in 2019 and paid huge sums for the latter to take that electricity," Vahan Sargsyan said. As of February 1, 2021, 10% of the installed capacity of stations in Ukraine is solar energy, 2% - wind energy. In other words, the share of variable renewable energy has reached 12%. With unregulated 2000 MW of solar power in 2019, the situation in the country is such that the Regulatory Commission of Ukraine has allowed the regulators to shut down the solar stations from the moment when they interfere with the stability of the power system.
And the consequence was that in the last two years, as soon as the solar stations were working, they brought problems, and the controller turned them off. "The law obliges us to buy the electricity produced by solar stations. Currently, the system owes millions of dollars to solar stations," Vahan Sargsyan said.
Answering the question by Tehmine Yenoqyan, the founder of "Green Armenia" NGO, what percentage should be the share of solar electricity in Armenia for the system to be stable, Vahan Sargsyan said. "In case of over 100 MW, it will cause serious problems. Since our system revolves around 1000 MW, then 10%."
Expert Rosa Julhakyan noted that one of the components of Armenia's energy development strategy until 2040 is the issue of modernization of ENA capacity and system. In response, Vahan Sargsyan said that the task of modernizing ENA is to upgrade, replace transformers and wires. "Modernization solves the problem of security so that there will be fewer disconnections, there will be a more reliable network. But the issue I raised is not solved," he said.
UNDP Climate Change Program Coordinator Diana Harutyunyan noted that the licenses for the construction of "Masrik 1" and "Ayg 1" stations have been issued, they will be built soon. "Were the issues raised taken into account when issuing licenses?" she asked. According to Sargsyan, this issue has been submitted to the relevant bodies, but so far there has been no response. Diana Harutyunyan inquired how the issue of market liberalization affects this issue.
"If the solar system gives a cheaper price, it will enter the system soon, then it will create more problems for the system. But a free market is not just about price. When we receive the prices from the market participants, the market operator collects those numbers, makes a preliminary balance, gives it to the system operator to check whether or not the regimes can be provided in that way. If not, it goes for additional events," the speaker said.
The issue of construction of large solar power stations was raised by energy expert Edward Arzumanyan.
The expert singled out several main actions to eliminate the problems with solar stations. "The inclination of solar panels towards the earth must always be maintained at 90 degrees in order to have maximum power productivity. On the other hand, it is necessary to have system power accumulators in "Ayg 1" and "Ayg 2" stations for the reliability and safety of the power system modes.
The other is not to provide arable land or pastures for solar power plants, given the huge volumes that already have to be provided to "Ayg 1". These should be uncultivated areas, taking into account the geopolitical situation in Armenia. The next, the most important step is the establishment of production on the spot," Edward Arzumanyan said.
According to Aram Gabrielyan, an expert at “Khazer” Ecological and Cultural NGO, the information on the creation of solar stations is a cause for concern. "In recent years, the state has created a serious economic stimulus for the construction of large grid power plants, which, along with its undoubtedly positive impact, can cause serious problems. "Ayg 1" and "Ayg 2" together consider the risks of creating a solar power plant with a capacity of 400 megawatts from a three-bullet view point: energy justification and safety and stability, social and environmental aspect.
“How will the two stations with a capacity of 400 megawatts and at the same time very unstable production "fit" in the currently generated field of electricity in Armenia? Which powers will be pushed out? What is the capacity of ENA to buy electricity from solar stations? In what daily and seasonal regime?" he noted.
Aram Gabrielyan expressed concern over the justification and substantiation of the donation of 1040 hectares of land owned by the people (according to RA Declaration of Independence and RA Constitution) intended for those two stations. "How are the losses and damages of the lands of the residents in the affected communities compensated?" How limited will the "barter" market for photovoltaic power generation be for the population and other initiators? What environmental normative acts did the RA Ministry of Environment follow when approving the station construction project?
Are there any normative acts confirming the absence of red-listed animals and vegetation in the allocated areas? Does the project comply with the provisions of the UN Convention to Combat Desertification and the UN Convention on Biological Diversity?" Aram Gabrielyan outlined.
July 05, 2021 at 20:19