Coordination of hydropower production with thermal generation for enhanced multinational resource utilization

Hydro-dominated power systems and thermal power systems often have widely different characteristics in terms of investments as well as operational aspects. Coordinated utilization of such systems is inherently beneficial, and provides potentially for savings for all parties involved. The paper illustrates the benefits of such coordination by way of overview discussion and evaluation of two cases; - the NORDEL interplay which is described in terms of respectively `limited’ (i.e. today’s) ambition level and an `extended’ ambition level as to coordinated effort, and - hydro systems as peak power suppliers, exemplified by analyzing a ‘pump storage’ type cooperative interplay between Norway and Continental Europe.