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CERC Highlights Grid Frequency Challenges Amid High Renewable Energy Penetration
Mar 31, 2025
The Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (CERC) has issued a suo moto order addressing grid frequency control issues caused by increasing renewable energy (RE) penetration. In August 2024, grid frequency exceeded 50.05 Hz for prolonged periods, driven by factors such as suppressed demand, over-injection from RE and thermal generators, limited flexibility of thermal/hydro plants, and under-drawal by states.
This scenario reflects the "duck curve" effect, where high mid-day RE injection is followed by a steep evening demand ramp-up. To mitigate these challenges, CERC proposes several measures, including:
- Two-shift operation of thermal units to improve flexibility.
- Lowering the technical minimum for thermal plants.
- Incentivizing flexible operations to accommodate RE variations.
- Encouraging RE generators to participate in the Primary Reserve Ancillary Services (PRAS) framework.
The order underscores the urgent need to operationalize intra-state Security Constrained Economic Dispatch (SCED) to optimize power dispatch at the state level during RE-heavy hours. Additionally, demand response programs can help absorb excess generation, ensuring grid stability.
A broader review of the Deviation Settlement Mechanism (DSM) is also suggested to address financial and operational challenges in a high-RE grid. As India's renewable energy capacity expands, these regulatory adjustments will be crucial for a secure and efficient power system.