Minnesota Wind Integration Studies
In 2006, WindLogics and EnerNex Corporation conducted a wind integration study for the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission to examine the costs and reliability issues of additional wind generation with the Minnesota region. The results of the study showed that this regional electric power system can reliably accommodate the addition of wind generation to supply up to 25% of Minnesota retail electric energy sales if sufficient transmission investments are made to support it. Other key findings and observations of this study include:
- Integration costs ranging from $2.11 per MWh for 15% penetration to $4.41 per MWh for 25% integration.
- Considerable cost savings resulting from consolidation into a single balancing authority.
- Substantial smoothing of wind generation variation as a result of the study area’s geographic expanse.
In an earlier (2004) study for Xcel Energy and the Minnesota Department of Commerce, the researchers identified integration costs of no higher than $4.60 per MWh for a 15% capacity penetration of wind generation. Due largely to the benefits of the new Midwest Independent System Operator energy market, the 2006 study shows that costs are reduced significantly even with more than twice the level of wind energy on the system.
Download PDF:
Final Report – 2006 Minnesota Wind Integration Study, Volume I
Final Report – 2006 Minnesota Wind Integration Study, Volume 2
Final Report – 2004 Minnesota Wind Integration Study
