ISO New England wind integration studies and the New England governor´s renewable energy blueprint

Currently, the New England power system is highly dependent on fossil fueled generating units. The region has a significant potential for developing renewable sources of energy, including substantial inland and offshore wind resources within the region as well as in neighboring areas. ISO New England (ISO-NE) has identified the potential for up to 12,000 megawatts of wind resources within New England that, if developed, would represent a major shift in the sources of energy and characteristics of resources operating in the region. Such large-scale penetration of wind resources would affect prices in New England´s wholesale electricity markets and total regional emissions from other types of generation sources. This paper considers the impact of increased penetration of wind resources on selected environmental and economic metrics. The paper also presents conceptual transmission configurations needed to integrate these resources into the grid. Finally, cost estimates for these conceptual expansions are presented.