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Abstract The expansion of renewable energy sources for electricity generation is an important part of China's energy strategy to reduce the dominance of coal generated power. Different energy systems face unique challenges with their different energy structures and economic context, which make it necessary to identify the roadmap for renewable energy development with consideration of local energy system. Our study aims to fill a research gap by identifying the penetration of renewable energy in China's energy system. The study begins with a brief review of the current state of renewable energies in China and then identifies the effect of large penetration of wind power and solar energy. China's energy system is simulated using the EnergyPLAN model and assessed under different penetration points of renewable energy sources from technical and economic perspectives. Different realistic intervals of penetration are discussed. Finally, our analysis identifies that the maximum realistic penetration of wind power and solar energy are respectively 38% and 27%. Highlights • Different energy systems face unique challenges. • The aim of this study is to identify the penetration of renewable energy in China's energy system. • China's energy system is simulated using the EnergyPLAN model. • Both technical and economic perspectives are considered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chongming’s current energy system is highly import-dependent and the distributed energy system with high renewable energy penetration should be taken into consideration. In this paper, a simulation model based on EnergyPLAN software with 2014 as the reference year is developed to represent Chongming’s present energy structure. Four future scenarios which propose different further energy constructions have been observed. Results show that reductions in primary energy consumption, electricity import, annual operating costs as well as CO 2 emissions are realizable when switching to an energy system with a high share of renewable sources combining natural gas CHP (Combined Heating and Power). After preliminary discussions, the feasibility of different renewable sources penetration are analyzed through calculating the excess electricity production (CEEP). The estimated optimal combination is generated when the PV fraction is 20% while wind energy fraction is 80%. Moreover, the analyses have taken into account that several flexible techniques are needed in order to balance supply and demand and to ensure the grid voltage and frequency stabilities. As a result, through the recommended three techniques, the excess production can be avoided as far as a renewable energy input of up to nearly 60%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

More variable renewable energy sources and energy efficiency measures create an additional flexibility gap and require a novel energy planning method for sustainable national energy systems. The firstly presented method uses only EnergyPLAN tool in order to decrease the flexibility gap in a national energy system. Generic Optimization program (GenOpt ® ) is an optimization program for the minimization of a cost function that is evaluated by an external simulation program, such as EnergyPLAN, which was used as the second method in this research. Successful strategies to decrease the flexibility gap are verified on the case of the Serbian national energy system using two methods for its structure design: (1) the iterative method, based on heuristics and manual procedure of using only EnergyPLAN, and (2) the optimization method, based on soft-linking of EnergyPLAN with GenOpt ® . The latter method, named EPOPT (EnergyPlan-genOPT), found the solution for the structure of the sustainable national energy system at the total cost of 8190 M€, while the iterative method was only able to find solutions at the cost in the range of 8251–8598 M€ by targeting only one sustainability goal. The advantages of the EPOPT method are its accuracy, user-friendliness and minimal costs, are valuable for planners. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a strategy for achieving a fully decarbonized Danish energy system (including transport and industry) in 2045. The strategy could also be relevant for most countries at a global level. The energy system analysis includes hour-by-hour computer simulations leading to the design of a Smart Energy System with the ability to balance all sectors of the complete energy system. In the analysis, issues such as international shipping and aviation, the sustainable use of biomass, and the exchange of electricity and gas with neighbouring countries are all considered. Moreover, the energy system is coordinated with other sectors to achieve a fully decarbonized society. Finally, the size of the employment impact of investing in decarbonizing the Danish economy is discussed. • A strategy for a fully decarbonized Danish society in 2045. • The inclusion of international shipping and aviation in a country strategy. • A Smart Energy Systems approach modelled by EnergyPLAN. • Detailed calculations of different elements of the strategy in 2030 and 2045. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Synergistic between renewable energy and cogeneration is an ideal transition path. • Imported and exported power could reduce the CO₂ emissions of the heating system. • Investment costs mainly affect the economy of the future heating systems. • Taken Beijing as a case study, the proposed method can be applied to other regions. In response to climate change, China has set the target to achieve carbon neutrality by 2060. The large-scale development of renewable energy and the decarbonization transition of the heating system are crucial for achieving this target. Is there a synergistic effect between the heating system's decarbonization transition and the use of large-scale renewable energy sources? What effect does this synergistic development have on the CO₂ emissions and the economic costs of an energy system? This paper conducts a case study of Beijing, China, and designs three technical path scenarios for heating system decarbonization transition in the future, namely, business as usual scenario where existing policies and regulations are applied, the electricity substitution scenario where the traditional fossil fuel heating system is replaced by electric heat pump, and the synergistic development scenario where the existing thermal power units are retrofitted to replace the consumption of fossil fuels with renewable energy sources. Using the EnergyPLAN model, the hourly operation of Beijing's power and heating systems under the three scenarios are simulated. The research results are: Firstly, the proportion of local renewable energy will be over 70% in all three scenarios, and in the synergistic development scenario, the electricity and heating demand can be met by 100% renewable energy, reducing CO₂ emissions resulted from fossil fuel combustion; secondly, in view of the real-time match of power supply and demand in the power system, at times renewable energy supply would exceed demand. The rational use of the surplus renewable energy can promote further the synergistic development of decarbonization transition of heating system and renewable energy, reducing the primary energy consumption and CO₂ emissions by over 16% and 28% respectively in the future heating system; Thirdly to improve the economic benefit of a synergistic electric power and heating system, focus should be on the reduction of infrastructure construction cost rather than the reduction of fuel consumption. The proposed method can be extended to regional energy systems with more energy sectors, and can be used to formulate decarbonization transition schemes for industry, agriculture, etc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Croatian energy system is currently highly import-dependent and integration of a high share of renewable energy sources needs to be considered. This paper studies eight scenarios; three proposed by the Croatian Energy Strategy, one proposed by the Indicative medium-term development plan of Croatia’s Transmission System Operator, and four alternative scenarios that propose extensive construction of hydro, wind and solar power plants in Croatia. Calculations have been conducted in the EnergyPLAN model based on modeled long term energy demand projections in the NeD model, with 2009 as the base year and a scope ranging until the year 2030. Each of the eight proposed scenarios is observed through different hydrological conditions while analyzing import dependency, economic costs and CO 2 emissions. After the initial calculations, additional analysis of intensive wind power penetration has been conducted. The Results show that energy systems with a larger share of conventional and nonflexible power plants have more difficulty adjusting to wind power plants production. In case of a high share penetration of wind in a system based upon such power plants, the feasibility of investing in new large combustion plants that will spend most of the time working on minimum capacity is brought into question. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]