Energy Plans That Weather Every Storm

Because wind and sun are unpredictable, planners must think ahead of time.

A new method looks at many years of weather data instead of just one.

• Step 1: Start with a plan built from a single year.
• Step 2: Test that plan against other years.
• Step 3: If the plan falls short during a cold or dark spell, it is tweaked automatically.
• Step 4: Add enough solar panels or wind turbines to cover those weak moments.

A test on Germany’s grid over forty years shows the benefit:

• Robust plans cost only 1.6 – 2.9 % more per year than the cheaper, fragile ones.
• Fragile plans can miss up to half of the electricity demand when conditions are bad—posing a huge risk for homes and businesses that rely on steady power.

The study stresses the need to use unusual weather patterns when designing future grids. Only then can we ensure that renewable energy is reliable all year round.