Recommendations on the Connection of Imereti 1 Wind Power Plant to the Georgian Transmission System

The project was granted a concession by the Ministry of Economy and Sustainable Development of Georgia (MoESD) to Infinite Energy for the construction of a WPP. The location of the Imereti WPP is suitable for the installation of up to 100 wind turbine generator units with a total installed power of 400 MW. The implementation of the Imereti WPP project is planned to be accomplished in several phases. The initial phase of the project envisages the construction of only 36 wind turbines with a total installed power of approximately 150 MW. Future integration of other wind turbines is planned for the later phases. Two alternative options are reviewed for the connection of the WPP to the transmission grid, with the first option considering the construction of a 500 kV type substation. The 500 kV Overhead Line (OHL) Kartli-2 with a total length of 164 km runs near the Imereti WPP area and is part of the 500 kV Georgian Transmission Network. The line connects important 500 kV nodes, including Substation (S/S) Zestaponi 500/220 kV and S/S Ksani 500/220/110 kV. The first option takes advantage of the existing line proximity by constructing a new substation that connects to the existing 500 kV line. The connection of wind generation to electrical power systems influences the system operation point, the load flow of real and reactive power, nodal voltages, and power losses. The rising impact of wind power generation in power systems forces system operators to extend grid connection requirements to ensure accurate operation. Three options were considered for interconnection, with the main recommendation being to connect at the highest voltage level, 500 kV, for technical, cost, and environmental reasons. The USAID Energy Program is providing technical assistance to Infinite Energy on the connection of the Imereti 1 WPP to the Georgian Transmission System. The program is assisting in the preparation of an application for interconnection to the country's grid and is providing recommendations for the connection of the WPP to the transmission grid. The ultimate goal of the program is to enhance Georgia's energy security through improved legal and regulatory framework and increased investments in the energy sector.