DNV GL has added to its suite of short-term wind and solar power forecasting services with the launch of Forecaster NOW, an on-demand Web portal with e-commerce-enabled transactions. The global energy advisory and certification company is demonstrating its new solution at the AWEA WINDPOWER conference and exhibition in Anaheim, Calif., this week.
“Power grids and markets will continue their rapid transformation to a low-carbon system,” says Craig Collier, head of forecasting for the Americas at DNV GL. “Accurately knowing when and how much generation will come from variable sources such as wind and solar with increased flexibility is crucial for operators, utilities, and ISOs in maintaining reliability, enabling increased penetration, and achieving a low-cost system.”
Forecaster NOW provides users with on-demand forecasts of select power markets with hourly resolution to seven days. Easily accessible on the Web, Forecaster NOW aims to provide energy traders, plant operators and other stakeholders with immediate estimates of future wind and solar plant energy production, according to DNV GL. These instant forecasts can help energy traders validate trading instincts and inform operations and maintenance managers regarding scheduling.
Forecaster NOW also provides insight into the potential impacts of wind and solar generation on power supply and pricing, delivering energy traders the data needed to help validate timely trading decisions in Texas’ ERCOT market, the company adds.
“Having been developed, used, tested and validated by a broad range of users, and continuously improved for over a decade, DNV GL’s forecasting solutions are now being offered to provide the right level of insight through four distinct levels of subscription,” says Carole Barbeau, Americas president of DNV GL Energy Advisory. “While some stakeholders may require a more in-depth forecast, others may have a need for only a snapshot of the forecast, and Forecaster NOW provides this on-demand flexibility.”
Now in its 15th year, DNV GL’s Forecaster platform also includes Forecaster Live, Forecaster Plus and Forecaster Solutions. The new Forecaster NOW product will initially be available in the U.S. and Canada, with European and global roll-outs to follow.
