Speeding Wind Integration utilizing Possibilities with future Energy variation (SWIPE)
Summary
This project aims to support the integration of wind power and to analyze energy variations on an hourly basis in future energy scenarios. The study focuses on expected wind power expansion and industrial growth in the Västra Götalandsregionen (VGR) through 2030.
The goal is to assess energy adequacy in selected areas and develop a methodology that can be applied in other regions that, like VGR, have mapped both wind power potential and future industrial developments—such as through Elektrifieringsresan [1] and Vindbrukskollen [2].
The project also examines two wind power projects that have been delayed due to limited grid capacity at their connection points. To address this issue and enable faster integration of wind power, two potential solutions will be explored:
• Conditional connection agreements or contracts (e.g., anslutningsavtal or abonnemang) for production facilities [3][4], and
• The establishment of local flexibility markets for generation.
These approaches aim to alleviate short-term grid constraints, evaluate the applicability of each solution, and provide recommendations on how such agreements should be designed, including key factors to consider.
A better understanding of future energy variations and the interaction between generation and demand can improve wind power integration at a strategic level. However, to fully understand the impact on the power grid, detailed simulations of production units, loads, and grid infrastructure are required. While such simulations are beyond the scope of this project, one work package focuses on how to best represent power plants using equivalent models to support future studies. Accurate representation of renewable generation is essential in energy system modeling, particularly as renewable energy plays a growing role in the electricity mix.
Project Aim and Objectives
This project aims to enable greater integration of wind power into the Swedish electricity system by improving understanding of energy variations and exploring synergies with nearby loads, flexibility markets, and conditional connection agreements. It will also provide insights into the potential need for complementary solutions such as energy storage, demand-side measures, or hybrid power plants to manage fluctuations in production and consumption.
The study focuses on the Västra Götalandsregionen (VGR), where simulated hourly production and demand data through 2030—based on different weather years—will be used to assess energy variation patterns. Two case studies will evaluate the impact of these variations and propose practical solutions to mitigate them. The project also aims to ease current grid constraints and provide recommendations for structuring connection agreements, including key legal and technical considerations.
In addition, the project will explore how to represent wind power plants with equivalent models in power system simulations, ensuring accurate reflection of their role and performance in the grid.
Key Objectives
• Generate hourly time series for 2030 in VGR, reflecting growing industrial demand and wind power expansion, to analyze energy variations.
• Build expertise on the design and use of flexibility markets for electricity production.
• Provide input on conditional connection agreements between production units and DSOs.
• Quantify the effects of such agreements on delayed wind projects, focusing on curtailment and financial outcomes using historical spot price data.
• Conduct a pre-study on the design of wind power plant equivalents for simulations, including recommended model types, design principles, and appropriate detail levels.
This work aims to support decision-making for wind power developers, turbine owners, regional planners, DSOs, flexibility market operators, balancing service providers, and the TSO.