Title Impact of transmission constraints on critical grid elements and offshore wind power curtailment in Lithuanian power system
Authors Gudziute, Saule ; Bobinaitė, Viktorija ; Gudzius, Saulius ; Jonaitis, Audrius ; Konstantinaviciute, Inga ; Kopustinskas, Vytis ; Vaicys, Jonas ; Vaisnoriene, Aistija
DOI 10.3390/su18010235
Full Text Download
Is Part of Sustainability.. Basel : MDPI. 2026, vol. 18, iss. 1, art. no. 235, p. 1-25.. ISSN 2071-1050
Keywords [eng] generation curtailment ; offshore wind ; power system security ; short-circuit ratio
Abstract [eng] The transition toward carbon neutrality is accelerating the deployment of renewable energy sources (RES), creating new challenges for power balance, stability, and renewable generation curtailment. In the Baltic States, this RES growth coincides with synchronization with the Central European Synchronous Area, which poses additional technical and operational challenges. This paper evaluates the integration of offshore wind farms (OWFs) into the Lithuanian power system for 2027 and 2035, focusing on their impact on system operation, transmission loading, power balance and power system strength. A methodology based on extrapolated historical hourly data is applied to assess Lithuanian power system security under large-scale RES penetration, identifying critical contingencies and lines most prone to overloading. Results indicate that in 2027, network overloads may occur under N–1 contingencies when OWF capacity reaches 1400 MW; higher capacities require curtailment to maintain the generation–load balance. In 2035, planned grid reinforcements eliminate N–1 overloads. However, in both years, system strength remains the limiting factor. With an admissible short-circuit ratio (SCR) of 3, the maximum allowable OWF capacity is 1141 MW in 2027 and 1582 MW in 2035 under N–1, and 562 MW and 1039 MW under N–2 conditions.
Published Basel : MDPI
Type Journal article
Language English
Publication date 2026
CC license CC license description