Inverter Based Resource (IBRs) Interconnection and Penetration Issues

Panel summary: Inverter-based resources (IBRs), such as solar photovoltaic (PV) and wind power systems, have revolutionized the energy landscape by providing clean and renewable sources of electricity. However, these resources also introduce unique reliability challenges to power systems. Several key concerns are their dependency on weather conditions and lack of response to changing or adverse system conditions. Furthermore, inverter-based resources lack inertia, frequency and voltage control, and fault current which traditionally came from conventional generators and helped stabilize grid. Mitigating these challenges requires advanced control and monitoring systems that can detect changing system conditions, automatically recommend and take corrective actions, and stabilize the grid. The panel will be addressing this topic in detail both from a regulatory perspective, as well as from a utility perspective, and looking into practical, real-world solutions. Note: Panel Provided at Pac World Americas Conference: 8/29/23, 3:45 PM / 5:30 PM, Impact of IBRs on Transmission Protection