• Focus Area Electricity Sector Transitions Electricity Sector Transitions
  • Type Data Insight
  • Date 10 October 2022
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Abstract

A recent KAPSARC Instant Insight examined the reliability crisis in electric power grids, and proposed policy measures that can mitigate these risks (Felder 2022). The specific causes for these severe outages and blackouts differ, but the causes of greatest concern are those that result in multiple failures of grid facilities. In 2022, the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) examined the increasing risks to the grids in the United States (U.S.), in particular hazards to the North American bulk power system (BPS). NERC highlighted a special concern related to the increased deployment of inverter-based resources: the unexpected tripping of solar PV resources that could incapacitate large amounts of generation, resulting in reliability challenges. This issue is particularly important to Saudi Arabia as it pursues the deployment of widespread, large-scale solar power plants.

Authors

Ahmed Al-Balawi

Research Lead Ahmed is a research lead in the Utilities and Renewables program at KAPSARC. He is an electrical engineer and holds… Ahmed is a research lead in the Utilities and Renewables program at KAPSARC. He is an electrical engineer and holds an M.Sc. degree in renewable energy systems from Loughborough University. Prior to joining KAPSARC he worked as an R&D engineer at the Saudi Electricity Company for over five years, heading the company’s research on renewables and energy storage, and working on a wide range of projects including solar power, EV charging, sorption cooling, and energy storage solutions. Ahmed’s current research focuses on power system modeling to help shape the future of the energy mix and the technologies that can contribute to achieving Saudi Arabia’s green targets.

Expertise

  • Renewable Energy
  • Power System Modeling
  • Energy Storage and Emerging Technologies

Publications See all Ahmed Al-Balawi’s publications

Khalid Alhadhrami

Analyst

Expertise

Publications See all Khalid Alhadhrami’s publications

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