Volume 52

Optimal Power Dispatch with Renewable Energy Integration Using a MILP Model: A Case Study of Western India Nikhil Thejesh Venkataramana, Venkatasailanathan Ramadesigan, Tejal Kanitkar, Rangan Banerjee.

Abstract

India’s power sector is undergoing a rapid transformation towards integrating renewable energy sources to sustainably meet growing electricity demand. To support this transition and achieve India’s ambitious renewable energy targets, robust modelling frameworks are essential for guiding the development of a sustainable power system. This study presents a mixed-integer linear programming model assessing optimal capacity expansion and dispatch strategies in Western India for 2030. The model evaluates the feasibility of achieving Renewable Purchase Obligations (RPOs) under different scenarios, considering individual state and combined regional dispatch, with varying constraints on new hydro and coal capacity additions. The analysis is conducted at a 15-minute resolution and includes unit-wise disaggregation for coal and gas sources. Results highlight the comparatively better performance of regional dispatch in integrating renewable energy and reducing investment costs. However, trade-offs between coal and battery storage emerge at higher shares of Renewable energy (RE). The study concludes that regional dispatch, strategic capacity planning, and judicious use of energy storage are crucial for achieving a cost-effective and sustainable energy transition in India. It provides valuable insights for strategic policy decisions and demonstrates a framework adaptable to other regions to optimize renewable energy integration and dispatch strategies.

Keywords Renewable energy integration, renewable purchase obligations, regional dispatch, capacity expansion, economic dispatch.