Meta-analysis of high penetration renewable energy scenarios

We provide a meta-analysis of several recent analytical studies that evaluate the possibility, operability, and implications of high levels of renewable sources of electricity (RES-E) in power systems. These studies span different geographic regions, rely on a range of analytical methods and data assumptions, and were conducted with differing objectives. Despite the differences, these studies share some common conclusions, one of which is that renewable energy resources can play a large role in future power systems. Moreover, most of the studies address aspects of integrating these resources into system operations, and all of them conclude that RES-E can supply, on an hourly basis, a majority of a country's or region's electricity demand. We compare the analytic approaches, data inputs, and results in an effort to provide additional transparency and information to policy makers. (C) 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.