The Western Interconnection Regional Advisory Body (WIRAB) endorses its IBR Risk Assessment Report and its recommendations. This assessment was conducted in collaboration with Elevate Energy Consulting and provides a thorough analysis of current and past efforts to address challenges with IBR integration, identifies potential gaps that could pose reliability risks, and proposes draft regulatory and policy recommendations to help ensure a reliable and resilient Western Interconnection.
Purpose of the Report
The Western Interconnection is experiencing a profound shift in its energy landscape, characterized by a rapid increase in inverter-based resources (IBRs) such as wind, solar photovoltaic (PV), and battery energy storage systems (BESS). While these resources present significant opportunities for a less carbon intensive electric grid, they also introduce unique technical and operational challenges that can impact bulk power system reliability. WIRAB commissioned the report to identify critical gaps and propose actionable recommendations to ensure a reliable, resilient, and secure energy transition.
Why This Report is Important
- Timely Insights on Emerging Risks and Gap Analysis: The report provides an in-depth assessment of risks associated with IBR integration, including interconnection challenges, modeling inadequacies, and operational complexities. It underscores the urgency for proactive measures to address these risks, while outlining the work currently being done to address these risks.
- Strategic Recommendations: The report outlines near-term, medium-term, and long-term recommendations tailored to key stakeholders, including WECC. These include enhancing interconnection requirements, fostering regional collaboration, exploring advanced grid technologies such as grid-forming inverters, and a new regulatory scheme to proactively address IBR-related risks. It also provides actions that state utility commissioners can do to aid in the mitigation efforts.
WIRAB will collaborate with WECC and other key stakeholders to prioritize and implement the recommendations outlined in this report. By working together, we can ensure that the Western Interconnection not only adapts to the energy transition but leads it in a way that preserves reliability and resilience.
Download the Report: To view or download the full Inverter-Based Resource (IBR) Risk Assessment Report click here.
Contact Information: Eric Baran
Program Manager – Electric System Reliability
Western Interstate Energy Board