Power system operators are in search of proven solutions to improve the penetration levels of distributed generators (DGs) in the grid while minimizing cost. This transition is driven, among others, by global climate concerns, the growing power demand, the need for greater flexibility, the ageing grid infrastructure and the need to diversify sources of energy production. Distributed renewables would not easily substitute the conventional electric grid system, perhaps because the latter is a well-established technology and it would not be prudent to abandon it, while the new distributed renewable energy technologies are generally not adequately developed to support the total load. Thus, it is becoming increasingly necessary to consider sustainable options such as integrating renewable energy sources into the existing power grid. This study is a review that is mainly hinged on distributed generation (DG) classification, the challenges of DG to grid integration, practical options used in DG integration, lessons learned from some countries with successful DG to grid integration, push factors in the growth of DGs and the merits of DG to grid integration. These standpoints of DG to grid interconnection are critical in conducting grid planning and operational studies, which should be conducted in strict observance of aspects such as optimal technology selection, optimal capacity and a suitable connection point of DGs in the network. Therefore, the perspectives highlighted regarding DG can assist power system engineers, developers of DG plants and policymakers in developing a power network that is stable, efficient and reliable.

Although the impact of integrating solar and wind sources into the power system has been studied in the past, the chaos caused by wind and solar energy generation has not yet had broader mitigation solutions notwithstanding their rapid deployment. Many research efforts in using prediction models have developed real-time monitoring of variability and machine learning predictive algorithms in contrast to the conventional methods of studying variability. This study focused on the causes and types of variability, challenges, and mitigation strategies used to minimize variability in grids worldwide. A summary of the top ten cases of countries that have successfully managed variability in their electrical power grids has been presented. Review shows that most of the success cases embraced advanced energy storage, grid upgrading, and flexible energy mix as key technological and economic strategies. A seven-point conceptual framework involving all energy stakeholders for managing variability in power system networks and increasing variable renewable energy (VRE)-grid integration has been proposed. Long-duration energy storage, virtual power plants (VPPs), smart grid infrastructure, cross-border interconnection, power-to-X, and grid flexibility are the key takeaways in achieving a reliable, resilient, and stable grid. This review provides a useful summary of up-to-date research information for researchers and industries investing in a renewable energy-intensive grid.

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) 2021 report has noted the perceived rise in severe weather phenomena such as heat radiations, hurricanes, flooding, and droughts and the rising scientific evidence attributing these events to anthropogenic sources of climate change. Cameroon as a nation is equally exposed to these climate vulnerabilities, and contributing to global climate efforts is imperative. She has earmarked the integration of 25% renewables in its electricity production mix and a 32% emission reduction, all as part of her commitment to global climate action. The fresh commitments coupled with a rapidly growing power demand have paved the way for a revolutionized approach to electricity generation in Cameroon. However, the imminent changes, as well as their implications, remain uncertain. This study explores how these emission reduction targets can be achieved through the adoption of a more sustainable power transition, which provides realistic solutions for emission reduction, escaping high carbon pathways. The assessment of the level at which long-term electricity generation scenarios in Cameroon could be renewable energy intensive was done using the Low Emissions Analysis Platform (LEAP) tool following a backcasting approach. The study noted that there is an implementation gap between earmarked policy ambitions and existing measures. The study recommended several opportunities in aspects, such as suitable share of technologies, administrative reforms, and required adjustments within the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), which the government could exploit in the electricity sector to sail across the challenging trade-offs needed to become a sustainable economy in a carbon-constrained world. It equally examines actions that could help close the gap between earmarked policy ambitions and existing pathways and proposes cost-effective methods that were identified as priorities.

The Cameroon power sector is currently undergoing a period of transition with government setting ambitions to increase the generation of clean electricity to meet the rapidly growing demand. A significant aspect of this transition is the phasing out of some thermal plants and supporting power generation with renewables. This can be achieved through the heavy exploitation of the renewable energy resources in the country. In line with this goal, the study assesses the feasibility of a 211.75 MW solar PV power plant in Yaounde, Cameroon using RETScreen Expert. The simulation showed an annual electricity production of 304,668.191 MWh with arrays mounted on a fixed axis. The model considered a debt ratio of 40%, debt interest rate of 12%, PV cost per kW of $1371 and a total system initial cost of $291,791,500. The annual revenue from exporting power to the grid was $36,560,183 and a capacity factor of 16.4%. The solar PV project was economically viable with a cost of energy (COE) of $75.43/MWh or $0.075/kWh and a gross annual GHG emission reduction potential of 61,004.5 tCO₂ corresponding to 141,870.9 barrels of crude oil not used throughout the project life time. The benefit-cost ratio obtained in the simulation was 4.5 which implies that the project is profitable (ratio is greater than 1). The project break-even point of equity payback was 9.2 years while the simple payback was 8.9 years. The PV system had an IRR-assets of 7.4%, which was below the debt interest rate of Cameroonian financial institutions hence, the project will be attractive to investors. Also, the project risk and sensitivity analysis showed that a reduction in the project’s initial cost had a significant effect on the net present value (NPV) and the cost of energy production. Similarly, a rise in the grid electricity export reduced the cost of energy production when the confidence level was set to 90%.

Cameroon’s electricity mix is dominated by hydropower sources despite the huge potentials of other sources like solar. The over-dependence on hydropower has led to frequent load shedding especially in the dry season as a result of low water levels. Interestingly, the government plans to diversify her power mix and provide sustainable energy to Cameroonians. It is in this framework that this study evaluates the integration of solar PV into the Southern Interconnected Grid of Cameroon using dynamic analysis. The ETAP tool was used in developing the model. A power loss assessment was done through successive injection of solar PV into the candidate busbars while monitoring the active power losses in the grid. Then, a transient stability analysis was conducted so as to assess the grid’s response to induced instability after the penetration of large-scale solar PV. The study showed that the use of static performance indices to evaluate the solar PV hosting capacity do not safeguard the grid’s technical robustness. The results indicated an optimum solar PV penetration level of 30% (211.8 MW) at the Ngousso 93 kV busbar. The findings will be useful to system operators and regulators in developing low-carbon pathways in the electricity network in Cameroon.