Abstract
This paper investigates the stability of a converter-dominated islanded power system when the island’s battery energy storage converters are operated in different control modes (Grid Forming and Grid Following) and combined with different volumes of synchronous compensation. The study is conducted in a realistic simulation model of the future Madeira island, where no thermal generation is present, and the share of converter-based Renewable Energy Sources is large (75 to 80 % of instantaneous penetration). The impact of the different combinations of synchronous condensers and BESS converter control modes on the system stability is evaluated using a stability index-based approach that accounts for multiple operation scenarios. In this procedure, the system’s dynamic response to the reference disturbances (short-circuits in the Transmission and Distribution Network) is obtained via RMS dynamic simulation and is then analyzed to extract two stability indices (Nadir and Rocof). Such indices are computed for the synchronous generator speed and the grid electrical frequency (measured in different points using a PLL) and are later used as the basis for discussion and conclusion drawing. © Energynautics GmbH.

Abstract
As one of the functions integrating energy management systems, state estimation (SE) is instrumental in monitoring power networks, allowing the best possible use of energy resources. It plays a decisive role in debugging if sufficient data are available, ruined if not. Criticality analysis (CA) integrates SE as a module in which elements of the estimation process-taken one-by-one or grouped (tuples of minimal multiple cardinality)-are designated essential. The combinatorial nature of extensive CA (ExtCA), derestricted from identifying only low-cardinality critical tuples, characterizes its computational complexity and imposes defiant limits in implementing it. This paper presents the methodology for ExtCA and compares algorithms to find an efficient solution for expanding the boundaries of this analysis problem. The algorithms used for comparison are one sequential Branch&Bound (a well-known paradigm for combinatorial optimization recently used in ExtCA) and two new parallels implemented on the central processing unit (CPU) and the graphics processing unit (GPU). The conceived parallel architecture favors evaluating massive combinations of diverse cardinality measuring unit (MU) tuples in ExtCA. The acronym MU refers to the aggregate of devices deployed at substations, such as a remote terminal unit, intelligent electronic device, and phasor measurement unit. The numerical results obtained in the paper show significant speed-ups with the novel parallel GPU algorithm, tested on different and real-scale power grids. Since, the visualization of the ExtCA results is still not a well-explored field, this work also presents a novel way of graphically depicting spots of weak observability using MU-oriented ExtCA.

Abstract
This article introduces BetaMemo models, a set of advanced probabilistic forecasting models aimed at predicting the hourly power output of photovoltaic plants. By employing a semiparametric approach based on beta distributions and deterministic models, BetaMemo offers detailed forecasts, including point forecasts, variance, quantiles, uncertainty measures, and probabilities of power generation falling within specific intervals or exceeding predefined thresholds. BetaMemo models rely on input data derived from weather forecasts generated by a Numerical Weather Prediction model coupled with variables pertaining to solar positioning in the forthcoming hours. Eleven BetaMemo models were created, each using a unique combination of explanatory variables. These variables include data related to the location of the plant and spatiotemporal variables from weather forecasts across a broad area surrounding the plant. The models were validated using a real-life case study of a photovoltaic plant in Portugal, including comparisons of their performance with benchmark forecasting models. The results demonstrate the superior performance of the BetaMemo models, surpassing those of benchmark models in terms of forecasting accuracy. The BetaMemo model that integrates the most extensive set of spatiotemporal explanatory variables provides notably better forecasting results than simpler versions of the model that rely exclusively on the local plant information. This model improves the continuous ranked probability score by 13.89% and the reliability index by 45.66% compared to those obtained from a quantile random forest model using the same explanatory variables. The findings highlight the potential of BetaMemo models to enhance decision-making processes related to photovoltaic power bidding in electricity markets.

Abstract
This paper presents a comprehensive assessment of the large-scale deployment of hydropower on the provision of frequency regulation services, when equipped with the extended flexibility solutions being developed and/or tested within the scope of the XFLEX HYDRO project. The current analysis is performed on the Iberian Peninsula (IP) power grid considering its interconnection to the Continental Europe (CE) system, since this power system zone is expected to have the most severe frequency transient behaviour in future scenarios with increased shares of variable renewable energies. For this purpose, prospective scenarios with increased shares of time variable renewable generation were identified and analysed. To assess the impacts of the hydropower flexibility solutions on frequency dynamics after a major active power loss, extensive time domain simulations were performed of the power system, including reliable reduced order dynamic models for the hydropower flexibility solutions under evaluation. This research assesses the effects of synchronous and synthetic inertia, and of the Frequency Containment Reserve (FCR) and Fast Frequency Response (FFR) services as specified in European grid codes. The main findings highlight the potential of hydropower inertia and of adopting a variable speed technology for enhancing frequency stability, while contribute to better understand the role of hydropower plants in future power systems.

Abstract
System operators (SO) require Converted-Interfaced Renewable Energy Systems (CI-RES) power plants investors to provide demonstrative studies related to different operational performance capabilities and advanced system services provision to the grid. Typically, these studies rely on Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) simulation models for the power converters and CI-RES power plants control units. Such models might be unavailable to the SO due to confidentiality reasons and might present challenges in parametrization due to their complexity. Moreover, compatibility issues between simulation packages used by the SO and those utilized by the independent entity performing the studies creates additional difficulties. Hence, SO demand to power plant investors the proving of equivalent simulation models and resorting preferably to standardized open-source models. This work presents a methodology to derive an equivalent model of a CI-RES power plant using Generic Renewable Energy Models (GREM) in which the parameters identification is performed exploiting an Evolutionary Particle Swarm Optimization (EPSO) to capture the plant's dynamic behaviour at the Point of Interconnection (POI) in face of a set of reference network disturbances. Considering as Case-Study the integration of a PV-Battery Hybrid power plat into the electrical system of Terceira Island, the results demonstrate successful derivation of GREM parameters allowing the representation of the dynamic behaviour of the power plant in face of network disturbance events. © Energynautics GmbH.

Abstract
While the share of renewable energy in interconnected systems has been increasing steadily, in isolated systems it represents a bigger challenge. This paper presents a dispatch algorithm integrating thermal, wind, solar and hydro generation and storage for an isolated network, which allows maximizing renewable energy integration and reducing the share of thermal energy in the mix. The possibility of using the battery to provide spinning reserve is also considered. The algorithm was tested and validated using real data from the island of Madeira, Portugal. Results prove the robustness and flexibility of the algorithm, showing that a significant decrease in the thermal fraction is achievable, and that it is possible to accommodate an increase in renewable generation with minimal or no curtailment at all.