Managing the electricity grid is becoming increasingly complex in the context of the investment boom for the deployment of renewable energy-based power plants. The volatility and intermittency issues related to the renewable energy generation have led to widespread power market imbalances, which could be better managed by the grid operators through decentralised solutions for more flexibility. Frequent PV-based power generation surpluses in 2023 have caused around 50% of all frequency disturbances on the continental European power system.
To improve the electricity transmission connectivity and increase the capacity of networks to connect new renewable energy capacity, the European Commission launched a Networks Action Plan in November 2023, which foresees €584 billion of investment by 2030. Smart grids and digital technologies such as sensors, automation and artificial intelligence can significantly optimise the management of electricity flows and anticipate fluctuations in demand. Consumption can thus be shifted to periods of high renewable generation, hence also decreasing the extreme peak load periods. For Bulgaria, the key question remains how these advanced technologies and solutions can be deployed effectively to ensure grid stability and resilience.
These are some of the main topics discussed during a round table organized by the Center for the Study of Democracy on June 18, 2024, on "The Evolution of the Bulgarian Grid Infrastructure: Modernisation and Digitalisation".
CSD experts were joined by Delyan Dobrev, Chairman of the Energy Committee in the National Assembly, Rad Stanev, Head of the Sustainability of Power Systems Laboratory at the Sofia Technical University, Karel Kral, CEO of Electrohold, Zdravko Bratoev, Deputy Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Southern electricity distribution operator, part of EVN Bulgaria, Kaloyan Staykov, Chief Economist of the Institute for Energy Management, and Sevdalin Stanev, CEO of Loren Networks and Miroslav Rizov, Systems Architect for Automation in Energy at Schneider Electric Bulgaria.
Delyan Dobrev explained that the Bulgarian electricity grid is overloaded only in certain regions and hours of day, and presented a flexible scheme for connecting wind power and batteries to utilise grid capacity outside the peak generation hours of the solar PV plants. Karel Kral explained that flexible tariffs can incentivise consumers to use electricity at times when generation is highest and cheapest, which could help reduce power surpluses. Rad Stanev noted that the Bulgarian electricity system is facing new challenges which require the creation of new technical knowledge, as well as the update of old grid management regulations, while Kaloyan Staykov stressed the need for an independent energy regulator and a level playing field in investment for private and public entities. Miroslav Rizov emphasised the importance of integrating smart meters and other digital technologies, while Sevdalin Stanev added that the use of artificial intelligence for real-time analytics is key to preventing power supply outages and improving the climate change adaptation of grid operators.
All speakers agreed that technological solutions are available, but the lack of funding and human resources are key barriers to their implementation. Both the physical infrastructure and the regulatory framework need to adapt to the new conditions. Consumers can play a crucial role in balancing the grid if they are offered the right incentives to become active participants on the electricity market.
