Dr. Fran Li, Director of the CURENT, along with Dr. Jin Zhao, a former postdoctoral researcher, and Dr. Qiwei Zhang, a former Ph.D. student, have co-authored a paper published in the prestigious journal Nature Energy, titled “Impacts of renewable energy resources on the weather vulnerability of power systems.” The paper was officially published on October 21, 2024, in Nature Energy, volume 9, pages 1407–1414.
Paper Abstract: The high penetration of weather-dependent renewable energy sources (WD-RESs) such as wind and solar has raised concerns about the security of electric power systems during abnormal weather conditions. The role of RESs has been discussed in worldwide blackout events, yet remains controversial. In this study, we find that although WD-RESs are non-dispatchable and weather sensitive, blackout intensities and extreme weather vulnerability are mitigated in high-penetration WD-RES grids. The causal effects of WD-RESs on blackouts generally decrease in high-penetration WD-RES power systems, and WD-RESs are not mainly responsible for the occurrence of blackouts in extreme weather conditions. The results of our research contribute to the debate on RES integration and power system security, offer a guide for the study of power system resilience and provide a reference for the ambitious high-penetration RES goals of the future.
This work has attracted significant attention from the broader energy research community as well as the general public. The publication further highlights CURENT’s expertise in power grid resilience/reliability and renewable energy integration. Below are selected examples of media coverage and reports that discussed this study:
- Anthropocene Magazine — People fear renewable power grids are more prone to blackouts. The data say otherwise (Nov. 2024). This article extensively covered the study and featured interviews with Prof. Li.
- Chemical Engineering Progress (CEP), the monthly magazine of the American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChE) — High Levels of Renewable Power Reduce the Intensity of Blackouts (Jan. 2025). The report highlighted the findings and included an interview with Prof. Li.
- ABC News via WBAL NewsRadio — Use of renewable energy reduces risk of blackouts . The coverage noted: “Now, according to a new study from The University of Tennessee, grids with higher renewable energy penetration are actually less vulnerable to blackouts than those more reliant on traditional, non-renewable sources.”
Citation of this paper:
J. Zhao, F. Li & Q. Zhang, “Impacts of renewable energy resources on the weather vulnerability of power systems,” Nature Energy, vol. 9, pp. 1407–1414, October 2024. DOI:10.1038/s41560-024-01652-1
For more details, visit the full article on Nature Energy here.
Congratulations to Dr. Li, Dr. Zhao, and Dr. Zhang on this outstanding achievement!