Empowering IBRs for Frequency Support: The Role of Technological Innovations
Sajjad Solat, Ali Azizi, Meysam Doostizadeh, Farrokh Aminifar, Mohammad Shahidehpour, Damir Novosel · IEEE Power Electronics Magazine · 2025
As power systems shift toward renewable energy, inverter-based resources (IBRs) such as wind and solar are increasingly replacing conventional synchronous generators (SGs). While this transition supports decarbonization goals, it also presents new challenges for frequency stability, as IBRs lack the natural inertia that traditionally helps maintain system balance during disturbances. To ensure future grid reliability, IBRs must actively contribute to frequency regulation. This study focuses on the technological innovations enabling IBRs to provide such support. Key developments include grid-forming inverters, inertia emulation, and fast frequency response (FFR) capabilities. In parallel, wide-area monitoring, protection, and control (WAMPAC) systems are emerging as essential tools for real-time coordination across distributed IBRs, enhancing system-wide resilience. While these technologies form the foundation for frequency-secure, low-carbon power systems, their full effectiveness hinges on complementary economic and regulatory frameworks. Future work will explore incentive mechanisms to unlock the frequency support potential of IBRs and facilitate their seamless integration into modern grid operations.