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Electric Sector Integration

Integrating higher levels of renewable resources into the U.S. electricity system could pose challenges to the operability of the nation's grid. NREL's electric sector integration analysis work investigates the potential impacts of expanding renewable technology deployment on grid operations and infrastructure expansion including:

  • Feasibility of higher levels of renewable electricity generation.
  • Options for increasing electric system flexibility to accommodate higher levels of variable renewable electricity.
  • Impacts of renewable electricity generation on efficiency and emissions of conventional generators.
  • Grid expansion and planning to allow large scale deployment of renewable generation.
Graphic showing a high concept diagram of how a modern electricity system can be designed to include storage and incorporate large scale renewable generation. High Renewable Generation Electric System Flexibility and Storage Impacts on Conventional Generators Transmission Infrastructure

The goal of NREL's electric sector integration analysis work is to provide objective information that may be helpful for policymakers and utilities and inform decision making.

For questions, contact Trieu Mai.