Optimization of generation capacity for a 100 per cent renewable power system in Barbados

Abstract

This thesis explores an approach to determine the optimal renewable generation capacities to achieve a 100 per cent renewable penetration in the island of Barbados by year 2030. Five renewable resources are considered: onshore wind, utility-scale solar PV, rooftop solar PV, dispatchable generation, and storage. A two-stage temporal optimization based on the concept of residuals and costs is used and modelled with the optimization software LINGO to solve the problem under different scenarios. The results show that by minimizing the residual variations it is possible to balance the need for backup generation and storage that will support the wind and solar integration. The more storage power capacity, the more wind and solar can be incorporated into the system. Different load demand forecasts or the presence of DSM and EV technologies significantly affect the outcome of the optimization. This work provides the boundaries and considerations needed to achieve the Barbados renewable target.