The AESO awarded a two-year contract to Denmark-based wind forecasting company WEPROG in January to provide a centralized wind power forecast for Alberta.
Studies conducted by the AESO and other industry organizations indicate that an accurate wind power forecast can help the system controller maintain the balance of supply and demand of electricity by indicating the timing and amount of other measures required to offset wind's variability.
This first-phase forecast is based on global weather information and 629 MW of current installed wind power capacity. Inaugural reports will be accompanied by a monthly historical vs. actual wind power report intended for comparison purposes.
The second phase of the AESO's wind power forecasting initiative is targeted for completion later this year and will incorporate site-specific wind power facility information into the forecast reports. This will be followed by full integration of the forecast into AESO operational practices in early 2011.
Alberta currently has 629 MW of wind power connected to its electric system, representing about 4.4% of the total installed capacity of 12,502 MW.
SOURCE: The Alberta Electric System Operator Â
