How to Prepare a Power System for 15% Wind Energy Penetration: the Portuguese Case Study

Abstract

The 2001/77/CE Renewable Energies European Directive together with Kyoto Protocol ratification supported by a government vision and strong objective on the reduction of external oil dependence put Portugal in the front line to achieve one of the highest wind energy penetrations within 10 years? time. This paper gives a summarized overview of the Portuguese technical approaches and methodologies followed in order to plan and accommodate the ambitious wind power goals to 2010/2013, preserving the overall quality of the power system.