1. Modelling tool developed by Oak Ridge National Laboratory to predict PV power variability during hurricanes in the Caribbean.
2. US-Caribbean super grid proposed to minimize shading impacts on PV output during hurricanes.
3. Connecting South America to the super grid not found to significantly reduce power variability further, but adding PV capacity from Brazil could provide energy security in case of disconnection.
Modelling has been developed to estimate the impacts of shading on solar PV output during hurricanes in the Caribbean, where solar PV is proving to be the most cost-effective option for scaling renewables. The US Oak Ridge National Laboratory has developed a tool to improve predictions of PV power variability during hurricanes and other tropical storms.
Researchers have also looked into the potential of creating a US-Caribbean-South America super grid by connecting islands with HV submarine cables to minimize shading impact. A standalone Caribbean super grid was found to suffer the most significant power loss during hurricanes due to the alignment of the islands with the hurricane paths.
Connecting the US-Caribbean super grid to Florida significantly reduced power variability during hurricanes, but connecting South America via the southern Caribbean islands did not further reduce variability. Adding approximately 61GW of PV capacity from Brazil outside the hurricane corridor could provide energy security in case of grid disconnection.
The researchers highlight the importance of reducing renewable power variability for a smooth transition to decarbonization. They suggest that a US-Caribbean-South America super grid or a US-Caribbean super grid could be alternative solutions to address power variability in PV power plants during hurricanes.