Power system stability in the age of renewable energy

Experts and system operators have long recognised that this transition – driven by increasing reliance on inverter-based resources such as wind, solar and battery storage – fundamentally transforms how the grid operates. In light of these systemic changes, it is critical that policymakers and regulators accelerate efforts to align system stability frameworks with the realities of renewables-based power systems.

Countries like Ireland, Denmark and the state of South Australia regularly operate with >70% instantaneous variable renewables, thanks to advanced services like fast frequency response, synthetic inertia and voltage support. These real-world examples show that, with the right tools and strategies, power system stability can be guaranteed as systems transform to high renewables and electrification shares.

Stronger connection between the Iberian Peninsula and the rest of European grid would have helped reduce the severity of the Iberian blackout – provided robust coordination between operators. Infrastructure planning and investments must advance in parallel with regulatory reforms that enable more flexible and proactive system management.

Good practice examples include the UK’s inertia needs assessments and the fast-reserve auctions used in Texas and Australia. In the EU, the ongoing network code revision is an opportunity to support the integration of stability technologies like grid-forming solutions - while striking the right balance between universal requirements and remuneration for the sourcing of services.