Operational Readiness for IBR-Dominated
Power Systems
Creators: Le Xie
Ning Kang
Brent Buffington
Debbie Lew
Aidan Tuohy
Publisher: name: IEEE
Year: 2024

Inverter-Based Resources (IBRs) have emerged as a pivotal component in modern power systems, revolutionizing electricity generation, transmission, and consumption. With the proliferation of large wind farms, solar photovoltaic plants, and energy storage systems, IBRs are increasingly replacing conventional rotating machine-based generation plants. These fast-acting resources with their dynamic characteristics introduce numerous challenges to power system operation, necessitating in-depth planning, analysis, and standardization to ensure standard process, proper design, and full compliance with interconnection requirements. To facilitate the seamless integration of IBRs into the bulk power system, it is imperative to initiate the process from the early planning stages and revisit conventional design, engineering, and commissioning practices. Operational Readiness represents the capability of the power system to operate the future grid safely, reliably, and cost-effectively, particularly with the addition of intermittent resources.  This panel will explore various critical aspects of operational readiness for IBR-dominated power systems. Topics to be discussed include planning challenges, reliability issues, compliance with emerging standards and regulations, interconnection requirements for IBR plants, commissioning procedures, and testing mandates.  By examining real-world case studies and practical insights, the panelists will share their diverse experiences and expertise in tackling the challenges associated with IBR integration and management. They will highlight the strategies and innovations necessary to ensure a smooth transition to IBR-dominated power systems, allowing for a more sustainable and resilient energy future.
Inverter-Based Resources (IBRs) have emerged as a pivotal component in modern power systems, revolutionizing electricity generation, transmission, and consumption. With the proliferation of large wind farms, solar photovoltaic plants, and energy storage systems, IBRs are increasingly replacing conventional rotating machine-based generation plants. These fast-acting resources with their dynamic characteristics introduce numerous challenges to power system operation, necessitating in-depth planning, analysis, and standardization to ensure standard process, proper design, and full compliance with interconnection requirements. To facilitate the seamless integration of IBRs into the bulk power system, it is imperative to initiate the process from the early planning stages and revisit conventional design, engineering, and commissioning practices. Operational Readiness represents the capability of the power system to operate the future grid safely, reliably, and cost-effectively, particularly with the addition of intermittent resources.  This panel will explore various critical aspects of operational readiness for IBR-dominated power systems. Topics to be discussed include planning challenges, reliability issues, compliance with emerging standards and regulations, interconnection requirements for IBR plants, commissioning procedures, and testing mandates.  By examining real-world case studies and practical insights, the panelists will share their diverse experiences and expertise in tackling the challenges associated with IBR integration and management. They will highlight the strategies and innovations necessary to ensure a smooth transition to IBR-dominated power systems, allowing for a more sustainable and resilient energy future.