A network planning perspective for grid integration of renewable distributed generation in South Africa

With the drive for cleaner energy, Independent Power Producers (IPP´s) are tasked in finding suitable potential land sites that meet their renewable project needs and that prove to be technically feasible to integrate into the nearest distribution electrical infrastructure. With the South African utility, Eskom, adapting generic planning guidelines for grid integration of generators, the network planning assessment becomes complex with multi-machine grid integration. The voltage stability effects of the Eskom Distribution network to which these generating plants connect to, are analysed. Solar density maps provide an indication of proposed MW output in a particular area. These maps are used to identify the maximum connecting distributed generation (DG) to the electrical grid in feasible geographic areas. This paper documents research objectives which quantify network planning criteria that the utility and planning engineer may use in determining the successful integration of multiple machine DG units to the network grid. Four objectives were identified. Two of the four objectives are summarized in this paper as they were covered in detail in previous papers. Two new objectives consist of establishing voltage stability criteria using synchronous machine technology and locating feasible land sites using photovoltaic technology and are discussed further in this paper.