FERC seeks better grid integration for renewables

Renewable energy is popular across the political spectrum, but integrating wind, solar and other “variable” sources into the power grid presents thorny problems for regulators.

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission on Thursday said it’s taking a “fresh look” at ways to connect these sources to the grid as fast as possible without compromising reliability. The commission is issuing a notice that seeks public comment on the matter.

Renewables are heralded for their absence of greenhouse gas emissions but their intermittent nature – the wind doesn’t always blow – and other characteristics mean regulators need to employ some fresh thinking to manage their growth, FERC officials say.

“It is important that the Commission examine the most efficient ways to effectively integrate these resources into the electric grid, while maintaining reliability and operational stability. We want to examine whether existing rules, regulations, tariffs or practices within the Commission’s jurisdiction hinder such efficient integration,” FERC Chairman Jon Wellinghoff said in a prepared statement.

The FERC notice drew a cheer from the solar industry’s main trade group.

“Creating standards and clarifying issues surrounding the integration of renewable resources like solar will accelerate the development of utility-scale solar projects, which in turn will create jobs sooner and spur more investment,” said Rhone Resch, CEO of the Solar Energy Industries Association.