At the end of 2023, more than 20 thousand electricity producers were connected to the distribution system, including solar and wind generators, hydroelectric power stations, cogeneration and biomass stations, etc. The total production capacity of these stations exceeds 560 megawatts (MW).
The information published here is part of “AS “Sadales tīkls” electricity supply review: January-December 2023″. Full article available AS “Sadales tīkls” website.
The last few years have passed in the sign of solar generation. Thanks to the rapid pace of development of solar generation, the total generation capacity in the distribution system has more than doubled in a few years. At the end of 2023, the solar generation capacity exceeded the 300 MW threshold.
Microgeneration
In 2023, the relatively rapid development of microgeneration continued, while its pace was slightly slower than in 2022, when an unprecedented solar panel boom was experienced. If in 2022, almost 10,000 microgenerators with a total production capacity of ~80 megawatts (MW) were installed, then in 2023, almost 8,000 new microgenerators with a total production capacity of ~70 megawatts (MW) were connected to the distribution system. The total number of microgenerators connected to the distribution infrastructure exceeded 19 thousand at the end of 2023, but their total production capacity reached 160 megawatts (MW). A rapid increase in the pace of development can also be observed in the final months of the year, with the number of permits issued in December reaching 1,300. This is most likely related to changes in the net accounting system – you can become a member until April 30, 2024, and you can use it until April 28, 2029. for February, when this system will be closed.
The number of permits issued for microgenerator connection by month. Source: Distribution Network
The average production capacity of one micro-generator is 8 kilowatts (kW). In about 95% of cases, microgenerators are installed by private individuals, 5% by legal entities.
Solar power plants
The number of solar power plants connected to the distribution system at the end of 2023 was around 700, but the total capacity exceeded 140 MW, of which around 500 solar power plants with a total capacity of ~130 MW were connected in 2023. Last year, the average power of the connected power plants increased significantly: if in 2022 the average power of one power plant was approximately 85 kW, then in 2023 it reached 250 kW.
The amount of solar generation in the distribution system
For five consecutive months, solar energy accounted for the largest amount of production in the balance of producers connected to the distribution system, exceeding 20 gigawatt hours (GWh) in May, June, July and September. It is followed by biomass and biogas cogeneration plants with an average of 15 GWh.
In 2023, the amount of solar generation produced and transferred to the network is approximately 128 GWh, for comparison, in 2022, the total in 12 months was approximately 30 GWh, while in 2021 – 6.5 GWh.
The graphic clearly shows the seasonality of solar generation. A similar trend can be observed during the day as well, with solar generation peaking around noon. Under the influence of the mentioned trends, overproduction may occur during peak hours, which may mean low prices per kilowatt hour for electricity consumers, exchange tariff customers (in the summer of 2023, the price of electricity in the middle of the day is several times NordPool was zero or negative on the stock exchange), while during hours or months when the sun does not shine, electricity prices can be very high.
The dynamics of the amount of solar electricity transferred by producers to the overall distribution network (GWh). Source: Distribution Network
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2024-01-30 14:21:13
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