Generation expansion planning for Tamil Nadu: a case study

Summary Generation expansion planning (GEP) is a highly constrained, non‐linear optimization problem. The selection of the best expansion alternative for long‐term planning horizon is commonly referred as GEP problem. In this paper, the GEP problem is solved for Tamil Nadu, an Indian state for the period of 30 years from 2012 to 2041 using a state‐of‐the‐art computer model Wien Automatic System Planning IV package. In the year 2012, the peak load for Tamil Nadu was approximately 12 000 MW and had a peak load shortage of 3500–4000 MW. A load growth rate of 6.65% per annum is assumed on the basis of past data. Raising coal costs, pollution impacts associated conventional plants make renewable sources an attractive proposition for development. Renewable energies such as wind and solar are considered as expansion candidates in addition to conventional plants. The impact of incorporating renewable energy resources into an electric utility's generation expansion plan has been studied with different penetration level. The reliability criteria, loss of load probability, and energy not served are also calculated. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.