Reducing RES Droughts through the integration of wind and PV

Increasing the share of electricity produced from renewable energy sources (RES), combined with RES dependence on weather, poses a critical challenge for energy systems. This study investigates the importance of the balance between wind and photovoltaic (PV) capacity on periods of low renewable generation, known as RES droughts. Three different RES models are used to estimate the capacity factors for different scenarios of installed capacities for wind and PV power. The skill of the RES models is quantified by comparing capacity factor time series to observed hourly data and by assessing their representation of observed RES droughts. The RES models are used to generate a 45-year hourly time series of RES capacity factor, enabling analysis of the frequency, duration and return periods of RES droughts at a climatological scale. Results show the importance of using an accurate, validated RES model for RES drought risk assessment. The addition of PV capacity to a wind-dominated system results in a significant reduction in the frequency and duration of RES droughts, while also reducing extremes and seasonal drought patterns. These findings underscore the importance of diversification in RES capacity to enhance energy security and resilience.