Incorporating Renewable Energy in Electricity Grids from edX

Wind turbines and solar panels are likely to play a critical role in achieving a low-carbon power sector that helps address climate change and local pollution, resulting from fossil fuel power generation. Because wind and solar power output is weather-dependent, it is variable in nature and somewhat more uncertain than output from conventional fossil fuel generators. It is therefore important to consider how to manage high penetrations of solar and wind so as to maintain electricity system reliability.

This introductory course, delivered by Ieading academics from Imperial College London, with technical input and contributions from the National Energy Renewable Lab (Golden, Colorado), will discuss what challenges variable output renewables pose to the achievability of a reliable, stable electricity system, how these challenges can be addressed and at what costs. Its overall objective is to demonstrate that there is already a range of established technologies, policies and operating procedures to achieve a flexible, stable, reliable electricity system with a high penetration of renewables such as wind and solar.

The course uses a variety of country and context-specific examples to demonstrate the concepts. Policy makers, regulators, grid operators and investors in renewable electricity will benefit from a solid understanding of these considerations, thereby helping them drive forward the development of a fit-for-purpose clean power system in their own regional context.

What you'll learn

Explain how electricity systems have traditionally operated with baseload and load-following conventional generators
Introduce and explain the basic operational characteristics of the main types of electricity generation technologies, including fossil fuel, nuclear and renewables
Describe how electricity system operations change when there are increasing penetrations of variable renewables
Discuss the technologies, measures and operating practices at our disposal to cost-effectively incorporate and manage high penetrations of variable renewables
Consider how the operation of electricity systems may change in the future, with changes in electricity demand patterns and the emergence of new technologies
Understandhow different countries are managing the integration of variable renewables into their electricity systems.

What's inside

Learning objectives

Explain how electricity systems have traditionally operated with baseload and load-following conventional generators
Introduce and explain the basic operational characteristics of the main types of electricity generation technologies, including fossil fuel, nuclear and renewables
Describe how electricity system operations change when there are increasing penetrations of variable renewables

Discuss the technologies, measures and operating practices at our disposal to cost-effectively incorporate and manage high penetrations of variable renewables
Consider how the operation of electricity systems may change in the future, with changes in electricity demand patterns and the emergence of new technologies
Understandhow different countries are managing the integration of variable renewables into their electricity systems.

Explain how electricity systems have traditionally operated with baseload and load-following conventional generators
Introduce and explain the basic operational characteristics of the main types of electricity generation technologies, including fossil fuel, nuclear and renewables
Describe how electricity system operations change when there are increasing penetrations of variable renewables
Discuss the technologies, measures and operating practices at our disposal to cost-effectively incorporate and manage high penetrations of variable renewables
Consider how the operation of electricity systems may change in the future, with changes in electricity demand patterns and the emergence of new technologies
Understandhow different countries are managing the integration of variable renewables into their electricity systems.

Syllabus

How do electricity systems work? An introduction

How do different types of electricity generation technology work?

How are electricity systems affected by increased penetrations of variable renewables?

Options for managing increased penetrations of variable renewables

What might the future hold?

Policies and incentives to overcome barriers

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Delves into the imperative of wind and solar power for combating climate change

Surveys underlying principles of electricity system operation

Provides context through real-world examples

Explores the challenges of incorporating variable renewable energies into the grid

Investigates technologies and practices for managing high penetrations of renewables

Examines how future energy scenarios and technological advancements may shape electricity systems

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Incorporating Renewable Energy in Electricity Grids with these activities:

Organize course materials

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Stay organized and improve your retention by整理ing course materials.

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Gather all course materials, including notes, slides, assignments, and quizzes.
Create a system for organizing these materials, such as using folders or a digital note-taking app.
Regularly review and update your organized materials.

Read 'Sustainable Energy: Choosing Among Options' by Jefferson Tester

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Gain insights from an expert in the field of renewable energy.

View Sustainable Energy, second edition: Choosing... on Amazon

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Obtain a copy of the book.
Read the book thoroughly and take notes on key concepts.
Summarize the main arguments and conclusions of the book.

Solve practice problems

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Reinforce your understanding by working through practice exercises.

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Find practice problems online or in textbooks.
Set aside time to solve these problems regularly.
Check your answers and identify any areas where you need more practice.

Five other activities

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Form a study group with classmates

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Collaborate with peers to enhance your understanding and support each other's learning.

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Identify classmates who are interested in forming a study group.
Set regular meeting times and decide on the format of your study sessions.
Review course materials together, discuss concepts, and work on assignments collaboratively.

Attend industry meetups

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Connect with professionals in the field to gain insights and expand your network.

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Identify relevant industry meetups in your area.
Attend the meetups and actively participate in discussions.
Exchange contact information with individuals you meet.

Start a blog about renewable energy

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Enhance your understanding by writing about the concepts you learn in the course.

Browse courses on Renewable Energy

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Choose a blogging platform and set up your blog.
Research and write articles on different aspects of renewable energy.
Share your blog with others and engage with readers in the comments section.

Develop a presentation on renewable energy policy

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Synthesize your knowledge and communicate your understanding by creating a presentation.

Browse courses on Renewable Energy

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Research and gather information on renewable energy policy.
Develop an outline for your presentation, including an introduction, main points, and conclusion.
Create slides and prepare visual aids to support your presentation.

Build a small-scale renewable energy system

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Apply your knowledge by building a practical system that utilizes renewable energy sources.

Browse courses on Renewable Energy

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Gather necessary materials and equipment.
Design and build a small-scale renewable energy system, such as a solar panel or wind turbine.
Test and evaluate the performance of your system.

Career center

Learners who complete Incorporating Renewable Energy in Electricity Grids will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Power Systems Engineer

A Power Systems Engineer designs, operates, and maintains power systems, which involves generating, transmitting, and distributing electricity to consumers. The course covers a range of topics that are relevant to the work of Power Systems Engineers, including how to integrate renewable energy sources into existing energy grids. Those working on renewable energy sources will likely find the course particularly helpful.

See salaries and explore the career path for Power Systems Engineer

Electrical Engineer

An Electrical Engineer designs, develops, tests, and supervises the installation of electrical systems and components. Those working on energy grids could find this course, which discusses how to incorporate renewable energy and manage penetrations of variable renewables, to be particularly relevant to their work. An understanding of the principles discussed in the course may help Electrical Engineers create more efficient and environmentally friendly energy grids.

See salaries and explore the career path for Electrical Engineer

Renewable Energy Engineer

A Renewable Energy Engineer designs, develops, and installs renewable energy systems. Knowledge of how to incorporate renewable energy into electricity grids is essential for those in this career. The course discusses the challenges of integrating and managing variable renewable energy sources. This knowledge can help Renewable Energy Engineers become more effective in their work.

See salaries and explore the career path for Renewable Energy Engineer

Energy Analyst

An Energy Analyst studies and analyzes energy production, consumption, and markets. The course's coverage of how to manage high penetrations of renewable energy would be of particular interest to Energy Analysts working in the area of renewable energy policy and regulation. The knowledge gained from the course can aid in formulating better policies and regulations.

See salaries and explore the career path for Energy Analyst

Environmental Scientist

An Environmental Scientist studies the environment and develops solutions to environmental problems. Those who specialize in renewable energy or energy policy may find the course helpful. The course covers topics such as the challenges of integrating renewable energy into electricity grids and the policies and incentives that can be used to overcome these challenges, which can aid Environmental Scientists in their work.

See salaries and explore the career path for Environmental Scientist

Energy Policy Analyst

An Energy Policy Analyst develops and analyzes policies that affect energy production, consumption, and markets. Those who work in renewable energy or energy efficiency may find the course to be useful, particularly those who focus on grid integration and management. The course discusses the challenges of integrating variable renewable energy sources and the policies that can be used to overcome those challenges.

See salaries and explore the career path for Energy Policy Analyst

Energy Economist

An Energy Economist studies the economics of energy production, consumption, and markets. Those who work in renewable energy or energy efficiency may find the course helpful, particularly those who focus on grid integration and management. The course discusses the challenges of integrating variable renewable energy sources and the policies that can be used to overcome those challenges.

See salaries and explore the career path for Energy Economist

Climate Change Analyst

A Climate Change Analyst studies the causes and effects of climate change. Many Climate Change Analysts work on renewable energy and energy efficiency. The course may be helpful to Climate Change Analysts who want to gain a better understanding of the challenges and opportunities associated with integrating renewable energy into electricity grids. This knowledge can aid them in developing more effective climate change mitigation strategies.

See salaries and explore the career path for Climate Change Analyst

Sustainability Consultant

A Sustainability Consultant helps organizations and businesses become more environmentally sustainable. Many Sustainability Consultants work with renewable energy and energy efficiency. The course may be helpful to Sustainability Consultants who want to gain a better understanding of the challenges and opportunities associated with integrating renewable energy into electricity grids. This knowledge can help them provide better advice to their clients.

See salaries and explore the career path for Sustainability Consultant

Data Analyst

A Data Analyst collects, cleans, and analyzes data to identify trends and patterns. Data Analysts who work in the energy industry may find the course helpful, particularly those who focus on renewable energy or energy efficiency. The course discusses the challenges of integrating variable renewable energy sources, and the data that is needed to manage those challenges. This knowledge can help Data Analysts develop better models and analysis tools.

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Project Manager

A Project Manager plans, executes, and closes projects. Many Project Managers work in the energy industry, including renewable energy and energy efficiency. The course may be helpful to Project Managers who want to gain a better understanding of the challenges and opportunities associated with integrating renewable energy into electricity grids. This knowledge can help them better manage projects related to renewable energy.

See salaries and explore the career path for Project Manager

Power Plant Manager

A Power Plant Manager oversees the operation and maintenance of a power plant. Those who work at renewable energy power plants may find the course helpful, particularly those who focus on grid integration and management. The course discusses the challenges of integrating variable renewable energy sources and the policies that can be used to overcome those challenges.

See salaries and explore the career path for Power Plant Manager

Energy Storage Engineer

An Energy Storage Engineer designs, develops, and tests energy storage systems. Those who work on grid-scale energy storage systems may find the course helpful. The course discusses the challenges of integrating variable renewable energy sources and the role that energy storage can play in overcoming those challenges.

See salaries and explore the career path for Energy Storage Engineer

Grid Engineer

A Grid Engineer designs, operates, and maintains the electrical grid. Those who work on renewable energy integration may find the course helpful. The course discusses the challenges of integrating variable renewable energy sources and the technologies that can be used to overcome those challenges.

See salaries and explore the career path for Grid Engineer

Policy Advisor

A Policy Advisor develops and analyzes policies for government agencies. Those who work on energy policy may find the course helpful, particularly those who focus on renewable energy or energy efficiency. The course discusses the challenges of integrating variable renewable energy sources and the policies that can be used to overcome those challenges.

See salaries and explore the career path for Policy Advisor