Resilience and Frequency Control in Low-Inertia Power Systems: Challenges and Solutions

There are growing concerns about the resilience levels of future power systems. The rapid transition to renewable energy sources (RES), is transforming power systems by replacing conventional synchronous generators with inverter-based resources. This shift has led to a significant reduction in system inertia, which traditionally helped stabilize frequency fluctuations following power imbalances. As a result, low-inertia power grids face critical challenges, including faster rates of change of frequency (RoCoF), larger frequency deviations, and a heightened risk of system instability. Another significant concern is climate change as the frequency of the extreme weather events has increased dramatically in the last decade. These events caused significant disruptions to power system and these events are expected to lead to even greater disruptions in the future. This paper addresses the critical challenges associated with optimizing frequency control in low-inertia power grids and addressing climate change challenges. A detailed review of current practices is presented to highlight potential solutions. Additionally, the paper explores the importance of developing standardized resilience metrics and performance optimization strategies to ensure robust and efficient grid operations. Future research directions include the need for improved resilience metrics, dynamic grid stability models, and regulatory frameworks that support a holistic transition to low-inertia power systems with high renewable penetration.