What is it about?
This article presents a real-world contingency analysis of integrating multiple wind farms into a 60 kV distribution network in Portugal. As the country moves towards 10 GW of offshore wind capacity by 2030, many wind projects, especially medium-sized ones, will connect to the distribution grid, which was not originally designed for such high renewable input. Using power flow simulations and the "n-1" criterion, the study evaluates the resilience of the existing network under extreme generation and load conditions. Results show that several lines, especially AL7 and AL9, are critically overloaded in various scenarios, posing significant risks of cascading failures. The study concludes with recommendations for targeted grid reinforcements and the implementation of real-time monitoring and adaptive protection schemes to ensure reliable wind energy integration.
Featured Image
Photo by Basil Lade on Unsplash
Why is it important?
As renewable energy scales up, particularly wind power, the distribution grid becomes a critical bottleneck. Unlike high-voltage transmission networks, distribution systems often lack the structural resilience to handle abrupt changes in power flow caused by renewable generation. This study offers a rare, detailed view of how real infrastructure behaves under stress, identifying weak points before they lead to blackouts. Its findings are crucial for energy planners, regulators, and grid operators who need actionable insights to ensure that clean energy targets do not compromise system reliability. The study also supports the broader European agenda of electrification and decentralized energy by proposing tangible strategies for resilient grid expansion.
Perspectives
As a researcher deeply involved in the energy transition, I wanted this study to go beyond theoretical models and focus on real-world grid vulnerabilities. I believe technical solutions must be rooted in operational reality, how power systems behave under stress, not just how we expect them to. By using actual grid topologies and contingency criteria, I aimed to provide practical recommendations that can guide infrastructure investment and operational strategy. This work reflects my commitment to bridging renewable ambition with system reliability, ensuring that the energy transition remains both sustainable and secure.
Dr Fernando M Camilo
Universidade de Lisboa
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: Evaluation of the Contingencies of Interconnecting Wind Production into an Existing Distribution Network, May 2025, Institute of Electrical & Electronics Engineers (IEEE),
DOI: 10.1109/cpe-powereng63314.2025.11027194.
You can read the full text:
Contributors
The following have contributed to this page
