Improving battery technology and the growth of variable renewable generation are driving a surge of interest in “hybrid” power plants that combine, for example, wind or solar generating capacity with co-located batteries.
Hybrid power plants (HPPs) combining multiple generation and/or storage sources behind a single connection point are becoming popular due to their capability to provide additional value for both plant owners and power systems compared to individual technology renewable power plants. However, the research on HPPs is still in nascent stage.
What is a hybrid power plant?
Improving battery technology and the growth of variable renewable generation are driving a surge of interest in “hybrid” power plants that combine, for example, wind or solar generating capacity with co-located batteries.
Hybrid power plants could help solve these problems, and developers have begun to shift their focus to them. This technology uses a single grid connection point for multiple generation technologies, such as solar and wind energy.
What is a hybrid power plant (HPP)?
It primarily addresses HPPs that combine renewable sources such as wind and solar (PV technology) with electrical energy storage (ESS), all connected behind a single grid connection and operated as a unified power plant by a single operator.
In the future, hybrid power plants with digitalized control concepts will switch between different modes of operation in order to maximize profitability and optimize their ability to balance out short-term fluctuations in the grid. In Germany, hybrid power plants are subject to innovation tenders under the Renewable Energy Sources Act (EEG).
What is a hybrid power system?
A hybrid power system comprised of various types of energy, such as conventional fossil fuels, renewables, hydrogens, fuel cells and batteries, can ensure a continuous and reliable power source for ships by using different types of energy for various operating conditions.