Integration of renewable energy in microgrids coordinated with demand response resources: Economic evaluation of a biomass gasification plant by Homer Simulator

Abstract

This paper deals with how demand response can contribute to the better integration of renewable energy resources such as wind power, solar, small hydro, biomass and CHP. In particular, an economic evaluation performed by means of the micro-power optimization model HOMER Energy has been done, considering a micro-grid supplied by a biomass gasification power plant, operating isolated to the grid and in comparison with other generation technologies. Different scenarios have been simulated considering variations in the power production of the gasified biomass generator and different solutions to guarantee the balance generation/consumption are analyzed, demonstrating as using demand response resources is much more profitable than producing this energy by other conventional technologies by using fossil fuels.