STATUS OF RENEWABLE ENERGY IN EUROPE, U.S. AND JAPAN

As a countermeasure to reduce CO2 emission and secure energy supply, usage of renewable energy sources such as wind and solar energy is supported by government bodies around the world. Although renewable energy contributes to CO2 reduction and energy security, there are concerns about the potential negative impacts on power system operation because existing electric power system are not ready for a significant deployment of renewable energy sources, particularly wind and photovoltaic power generation, the outputs of which vary with weather conditions. In this paper, the author summarizes the current status and projection of wind and photovoltaic power generation in Europe, U.S. and Japan. Possible impacts of a large-scale penetration of these intermittent energy sources on power system operation are also addressed.