Variable renewable energy

Variable renewable energy (VRE) or intermittent renewable energy sources (IRES) are <a href="/facts/Renewable_energy/6Bu6IrpF">renewable energy</a> sources that are not <a href="/facts/Dispatchable_generation/CkT25V8c">dispatchable</a> due to their fluctuating nature, such as <a href="/facts/Wind_power/vlNN3u16">wind power</a> and <a href="/facts/Solar_power/NpgmEbU2">solar power</a>, as opposed to controllable renewable energy sources, such as dammed <a href="/facts/Hydroelectricity/zEeJIK2B">hydroelectricity</a> or <a href="/facts/Bioenergy/BvDWWFGP">bioenergy</a>, or relatively constant sources, such as <a href="/facts/Geothermal_power/1zdrqHdU">geothermal</a> power.
The use of small amounts of intermittent power has little effect on <a href="/facts/Electrical_grid/RkWPqjmG">grid</a> operations. Using larger amounts of intermittent power may require upgrades or even a redesign of the grid infrastructure.
Options to absorb large shares of variable energy into the grid include using <a href="/facts/Energy_storage/9GWtAPeb">storage</a>, improved interconnection between different variable sources to smooth out supply, using dispatchable energy sources such as hydroelectricity and having overcapacity, so that sufficient energy is produced even when weather is less favourable. More connections between the energy sector and the building, transport and industrial sectors may also help.: 55

Variable renewable energy open-in-new

Variable renewable energy