An adaptive dynamic model of the western power grid of Saudi Arabia

The power grid in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has been rapidly changing over the last decade. Numerous factors, such as the drastic increase in power demand, generation projects, and the national and regional interconnection of the power system, have all been having major impacts on power grid operations. In addition, renewable energy generation will soon have a significant role in the power grid. Therefore, it is vital to conduct proper planning studies to analyze the current power grid. Such planning studies are necessary to ensure the grid´s capability to accommodate current and future changes, especially with the verge of large transformation to smart electric grid. In order to achieve these goals, an open test system that is both adaptive and dynamic, and built based on the real power system, would be an essential tool for these studies. This paper presents preliminary results of the work done in building the dynamic model of the western power grid of Saudi Arabia.