Introduction: The ninth episode of the podcast "Unlocking the Energy Trilemma" is an interview with Kathryn Porter, an independent energy consultant with extensive knowledge of the finance and energy industries. She discussed her recently released paper, "Interconnectors and their Impact on the Great Britain Electricity Market," with our hosts, Jose A. Martinez and Ravi Krishnan. Grid interconnections were the topic of discussion, along with how they might improve energy security, control supply risks, and accelerate the transition to renewable energy sources. Click the link provided above to listen to the entire episode.
As we ask all our guests, could you share a figure that relates to the energy trilemma and today's topic on grid interconnections? What would you like to share with us?
Kathryn, let’s dive into your recent report. To set the stage for our audience, how do you see interconnections contributing to energy security and managing supply risks, especially during shortages or market volatility?
You just mentioned Norway, which has one of the lowest weather correlations with Britain among the connected markets. It seems that high power prices in Norway are being linked to cross-border power cables and interconnections. Do you think this would be causing any political pushback against interconnections?
For our diverse viewers facing energy transition pressures, could you explain how, from Great Britain’s perspective, the increasing reliance on intermittent renewable energy like wind affects system vulnerability, especially during prolonged wind lulls and periods of high demand?
Can we discuss the role of distributed energy resources (DERs) in the grid? Are you seeing significant activity in behind-the-meter systems, such as microgrids, rooftop solar, batteries, and heat pumps? What trends are emerging in Great Britain regarding these technologies?
As a follow-up, are you noticing grid oscillations, instabilities, or system strength issues? Are low-inertia scenarios becoming a challenge within the grid?
To ensure a secure network, rotating large machines like power plants play a key role, but distributed energy resources and long-term storage also offer solutions. Do you believe Great Britain’s mature capacity market is an effective long-term solution for power plants, or is it a temporary fix before plants exit the market due to profitability concerns?
Looking ahead, do you expect wind generation costs to decrease over the next five to ten years? Given the challenges you mentioned, such as DERs and grid stability issues, do you believe utilities are fully equipped to manage the energy transition? What steps do you think are necessary?
To end on a positive note, Kathryn, if you had a magic wand, what would you do to address the energy trilemma and unlock solutions to these challenges?