Integration of renewable energy source in transmission grids: issues and perspectives

The present paper deals with the integration of Renewable Energy Sources (RES) in the present power systems, in particular in reference to the transmission grids. Starting from a focus on RES in terms of technologies and impacts on the transmission grids, an overview on last generation solutions for RES integration, is reported. The main issues and perspectives of the integration process are investigated and summarized, in reference to a wide international literature on this topic. The investigated integration solutions are classified in: innovative materials, new electrical components, advanced electronic devices, automated control systems, smart technologies and new management mechanics (business and market models, incentives, etc.). Some considerations on economics and costs for the implementation of the RES integration solutions are included.