To be a recognized platform in R&D within 5 years and with profitable results is the expectation of the shareholder of R&D Nester, the China Electric Power Research Institute (CEPRI). "In a few years, about 5 years, the R&D Nester will be a well-recognized unit and, within the same period, will present profitable results," reveals Nuno Souza e Silva about the expectations transmitted by representatives of that Research Institute, affiliated with the State Grid Corporation of China (SGCC), during the recent visit of Nester to China.

The meeting, which was held in Beijing, from 23 to 25 September, with several representatives of CEPRI and SGCC, envisioned "to establish a direct contact with management and technical areas to discuss strategy, expectations, management practices and operational issues on the work developed in partnership in R&D Nester", referred the General Manager of Nester.

Sustainability of Nester

Among the topics addressed, CEPRI highlighted the importance of closer cooperation between the NESTER and CEPRI, as well as with other partners. The need to ensure the future sustainability of the Center and the need to provide services for both State Grid as to REN and other external clients, were also themes discussed.

At the level of projects, it was discussed with each of the departments the resources, motivation, major points of interest and some operational issues related to each project.

Visits prove simulation capacity

During the three days, Nester's team had the opportunity to visit the Numerical Weather Forecast Center, "that collects data from 8 different sources to transmit daily, twice a day, the results (wind, solar, rain and temperature) to the Regional Dispatch Centers", as well as the Simulation Laboratory.

The team visited the Zhangbei Wind Power Test Base, 260 km from Beijing. This unit tests and simulates the integration of wind energy, but also solar, and the storage. The Nester's team was particularly impressed with “the ability to simulate real network conditions, as 17 wind turbines models from 14 manufacturers are currently installed, as well as 650kW solar panels and storage capacity". Once compliance and certification of equipment is also done on the premises, it provides a sustainable business case for the “National Wind Power Integration Research and Test Center”.

Visits to National Large Scale Wind, Photovoltaic and Energy Storage Integration Demonstration Project facilities were also arranged during that period.

Eurasian energy Forum

During his passage in China, the General Manager of Nester participated in the Euro-Asia Economic Forum (EAEF 2013) in Xi'an, an event devoted to energy that took place from 26 to 28 September.

The event, which brought together around 2000 delegates from 75 countries, regions and international organizations, " has engaged in extensive and fruitful dialogues and exchanges, and has made significant achievements in cross-regional large project cooperation, investment and trade facilitation, thereby forging an important platform for Eurasian countries to enhance mutual understanding, expand mutually beneficial cooperation and promote common prosperity”, explains Nuno Souza e Silva.

The General Manager was also invited to make a presentation on the Low Carbon Power Generation Forum, on the 28th. The paper which focused on the integration of renewable energies in a network with high penetration of renewable energy, rose "particular interest among colleagues from Denmark (energienet.dk), Italy (Eni), in particular on the topic" Power-to-gas ", of the Netherlands, with regard to carbon trading, the United Kingdom and Finland".