The impact of variable wind and demand levels on the flexible operation of interconnectors in Great Britain

This paper analyses the potential benefits for flexible operation of interconnectors in cross-border power systems. The underlying modelling approach enables the simultaneous cross-border exchange of power and inertia-dependent frequency response services through the interconnector. Two main operational paradigms are adopted. The first considers the interconnectors as centrally-operated assets; the latter envisages them as profit-seeking private entities. Furthermore, the proposed work adopts a sampling-based method to assess the impact of wind and demand variability on the short-term operation of the interconnectors, evaluating the sensitivities of relevant operational and economical metrics with respect to wind availability and demand levels. A comprehensive set of case studies is developed considering the Great Britain (GB)-France interconnected systems. The studies show significant value for interconnectors under a wide range of system conditions.