David Brown and Andrew Eckert receive Future Energy Systems research grants

David Brown and Andrew Eckert have received research funding to analyze the integration of intermittent renewables into electricity markets, with a focus on wind and solar photovoltaic (PV) generation.  This research funding provides support for two research projects: (i) "Regulation and Integration of Solar PV into Electricity Markets’’ and (ii) "Market Design for Increased Wind Generation’’.  

Solar PV and wind capacity costs have declined substantially and installed capacity has grown rapidly. Despite this progress, there are numerous barriers to the adoption and integration of renewables into electricity markets worldwide. The objective of this research program is to analyze the impacts of existing policies and regulations on the integration of renewables, and to consider alternative mechanisms to alleviate these barriers. In addition, the research program will address challenges to electricity market design presented by the expansion of renewable generation capacity.

The funding is part of the Future Energy Systems research initiative at the University of Alberta, which focuses on multidisciplinary research that develops the energy technologies of the near future, explores how these technologies can be integrated into our current infrastructure, and examines possible consequences for our society and the economy. 

The Future Energy Systems initiative is funded by the Government of Canada’s “Canada First Research Excellence Fund”. More details regarding the University of Alberta’s Future Energy Systems initiative can be found by visiting Future Energy Systems.