摘要: The paper examines the value of variable power sources, such as wind and tidal energy, on electricity supply systems. A statistical approach is developed for assessing operational impacts, including thermal plant cycling operating reserve requirements. It shown from this analysis that penalties are negligible when capacities involved small relative to overall system, long optimally scheduled. Simplified equations also presented estimating limited data. then discusses impact sources at higher system penetrations, uses modelling studies examine possible economic energy up very high capacities. technical characteristics future systems discussed in light. Finally, contribution reliability nature capital savings arising this. capacity many circumstances equivalent conventional but general importance issues much less than generally believed. conclusion a given output, often valuable small, their can be large before variability become significant.