Low frequency oscillations in the interconnected system of Continental Europe

In large interconnected electric power systems, inter-area electromechanical oscillations may occur due to weak links among power systems. These oscillations involve power exchanges but also voltage and current oscillations that may cause tripping of lines or generators and thus lead to severe disturbances. Such oscillations have been (rarely) observed in the synchronous interconnected system of Continental Europe (former UCTE) being characterized by very low frequency (down to 0.2 Hz). This paper presents the inter-area oscillation modes observed along the last years in the European System and the activities undertaken so far for their sufficient monitoring and damping. It also presents the impact of the future connection of the Turkish power system to the Continental Europe power system.