Resumen
Wind energy integration is a complex target that could refer to different aspects such as: grid capacity; power system; support scheme; environmental; social issues; etc. It is probably the less predictable renewable energy sources (RES) due to its high volatility being difficult to be securely integrated into the power systems. This paper will focus on the wind energy integration from the power system point of view, emphasizing the case of Romania. Before going into the Romanian case, the paper analyzes the potential benefits of the regional approach in terms of power system integration, revealing that it can bring significant advantages by reducing the required power reserves or increasing wind power plants (WPP) generation. Currently, the power system integration is one of the major obstacle to large scale wind energy penetration in the region of Southeast (SE) Europe with high wind energy potential. The results of our research consist in proposing a model for estimating the balancing reserves sharing at regional level, comparing regional to country-by-country approach in terms of the power reserve requirements for balancing the operation of WPP. It definitely reveals that by regional Transmission System Operators (TSO) coordination; less reserves are needed; therefore, the space for RES enlarges. We also propose a model for Romanian power system that is able to calculate the installed power of WPP that could operate without considerable interruptions. Also, the model estimates the additional power reserves required for larger wind energy integration. This perspective can provide interesting insights on what should be foreseen as reasonable behavior of the policy makers and investors.