Workshop on Variable Generation Forecasting Applications to Utility Planning and Operations

February 8-9, 2012 - Tucson, Arizona

Workshop Agenda

Registration is no longer available for this event. Please send e-mail to info@uwig.org to be added to our mailing list for details on future events.

This multi-day workshop will be held at the Westin La Paloma Resort & Spa, beginning on Wednesday morning, February 8 and ending at 5 pm Thursday, February 9. The primary audience for the workshop include participants in the UWIG Operating Impacts and Integration Study User Group, as well as other UWIG members. The workshop is open to UWIG members and invited guests and the attendance will be limited to facilitate discussion amongst the participants.

This workshop is intended for utility and wind industry personnel associated with producing and using variable generation plant output forecasts for power system planning and operation. The workshop purposes are to:

• Explore the practical aspects of the use of variable generation forecasting models to the scheduling and operation of power systems
• Develop a better understanding of next generation variable generation forecasting requirements and possibilities in the hour-ahead and day-ahead time frames
• Develop a better understanding of operations planning requirements 
• Continue an ongoing dialog between the variable generation forecasting research, development, applications and user communities.

The workshop format will be in the form of a series of panels, with focused presentations and opportunity for extensive dialog among the panelists and the participants. Participants will be encouraged to review the agenda and provide any questions or discussion topics you would like to see explored to UWIG beforehand so that the panelists can be better prepared (send to info@uwig.org). Participants will also be encouraged to ask questions during the workshop. Workshop topics include:

• Progress in Short-Term Wind and Solar Time Series and Ramp Forecasting
• Progress in Day-ahead and Longer-term Forecasting
• Variable Generation Forecasting R&D Activities
• Optimal Use of Probabilistic Forecast Information
• Update on ISO/Utility Experiences with Wind and Solar Forecasting
• Forecasting Applications

DOE and NOAA are convening several meetings before and after the workshop to gain input on federal R&D and collaborative activities in support of renewable energy forecasting. Workshop attendees are invited to participate in a meeting Tuesday afternoon, February 7, to learn about DOE-NOAA collaboration to address weather-dependent renewable energy resource characterization needs, with a particular focus on forecasting and developing an effective and focused R&D strategy. Please see the agenda for details on this event. After the workshop, DOE and NOAA are hosting a wind forecasting R&D wrap up session on Thursday evening from 6:30 to 8:30 pm to gain input while new insights from the workshop are still fresh.

In addition, the U.S. Department of Energy is holding a workshop on forecasting the morning of Friday, February 10. Please see the workshop agenda for more details.   

Location and Accommodations

The workshop will take place at the

The Westin La Paloma Resort & Spa
3800 East Sunrise Drive
Tucson, AZ, 85718
Phone: (520) 577-5881 or (800) 937-8461
Fax: (520) 577-5878

Please mention UWIG or the Utility Wind Integration Group to receive the rate of $169 per night plus applicable taxes. Please note that the group block has expired and that the hotel is honoring the group rate on a space-available basis.

The hotel does not offer a shuttle to/from the Tucson airport. One can take a taxi, rent a car, or utilize the services of Arizona Stagecoach, a shared-ride shuttle. UWIG has made arrangements to secure discounted rates of One Way $40/Round Trip $74 for one person or One Way $45 Round Trip $84 for two people (additional passengers cost $5 One Way or $10 Round Trip). Call 877-782-4355 or 520-889-1000 or visit www.azstagecoach.com to make reservations. Please use the discount code UWIG.

Registration

Registration for this event will be limited to employees of UWIG member organizations and invited guests.

Registration is no longer available for this event. Please send e-mail to info@uwig.org to be added to our mailing list for details on future events.

Registration costs are as follows:

$495 - workshop registrants

$345 - speakers

$45 - companion attendance at reception

To register, contact:

Sandy Smith
UWIG Conference & Communications Coordinator
Phone: (865) 218-4600, ext. 6141
Fax: (865) 218-8999
E-mail: sandy@uwig.org

Cancellations and Refunds

All requests for refunds must be submitted to UWIG in writing. Refunds may not be processed until after the event.

• Requests received by February 2, 2012 - receive refund less $25 administrative fee
• Requests received after February 2, 2012 - receive refund less $200 administrative fee
• Registrants who have not paid by February 2 will need to make arrangements to pay in advance via credit card or risk having their registrations cancelled