Dispatch Optimization of Solar Thermal Power Plants considering Forecast Uncertainties

The high grid penetration of renewable energies brings imbalance on power prices and modify typical demand design curves. Due to their thermal storage, concentrated solar power plants (CSP) are dispatchable and therefore expected to balance electricity production and demand. In order to improve the quality of electricity scheduling and reduce financial drawbacks related to modification of scheduled energy delivery, weather forecast uncertainties have to be taken into account. In this context, a Dispatch Optimizer was developed to derive CSP plant electricity production schedule for the next 2 days, considering weather and electricity pricing forecasts as input. Uncertainties and market characteristics are included in the optimization, bringing a more accurate delivery scheduling. Financial income improvement is achieved, leading to possible participation of CSP plants in the wholesale energy market