Responsive demand in isolated energy systems

Abstract

To make islands more economically and environmentally sustainable, there is interest in expanding local renewable sources of electricity generation to displace portions of electric energy generated by fossil fuels. Integrating these inherently weather-dependent and variable sources is a challenge for grid stability. Responsive demand has long been used as a resource for peak management in both island and mainland systems. We discuss potential benefits of expanding responsive demand to help displace electric energy generated by fossil fuel power plants by adjusting the shape of the demand curve to increase use of electricity generated by renewable sources. Our methods also apply to renewable generation capacity expansion decisions. © 2010 WIT Press.