A Review of the Generic Grid-Forming Model Used by the System Operator in Chile

Chile is working towards a 100% renewable energy system by 2030, with 80% of its energy supply coming from inverter-based resources (IBR). This transition, including the phase-out of coal-fired plants, is accelerating, with IBR penetration reaching 22% of annual energy and 62% of instantaneous energy by 2021. To support this shift, the Chilean power system operator, Coordinator Electric de Chile (CEN), is preparing the grid for high levels of IBR integration, addressing system stability and operational risks.

This report, developed by the Global Power System Transformation (G-PST) Consortium, assesses the performance of a generic grid-forming model (GFM) for CEN, comparing it with an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) model. Led by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) in partnership with the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI), the analysis, funded by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), uses the Electromagnetic Transient Program (EMTP) software library to test the generic GFM model across 12 scenarios. The report aims to boost CEN’s confidence in the use of generic models for IBR integration, ensuring grid security and reliability as they move toward decarbonization.