1. Energy system modelling -- interactions and synergies in a highly renewable Pan-European power system.
- Author
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Weitemeyer, Stefan, Kleinhans, David, Vogt, Thomas, and Agert, Carsten
- Subjects
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ELECTRIC power systems , *RENEWABLE energy sources , *ELECTRIC power distribution grids , *INSTALLATION of industrial equipment , *ENERGY demand management , *ELECTRICAL load - Abstract
It is very likely that the European power supply system will be transformed in the next decades to a low carbon system based almost entirely on Renewable Energy Sources (RES). However, due to the natural fluctuations of the most powerful RES (wind and solar energy), it is also very likely that a significant amount of balancing and controllable backup power capacities will be required to ensure a stable grid operation. This implies high additional investments and operating costs. Therefore this work provides an overview of potential options and possibly more cost-effective alternatives to the installation of costly storage capacities, namely grid expansion, demand side management, an optimised mix between different RES as well as the use of overcapacities. Furthermore, the paper provides an approximation of the maximum RES penetration of the German electricity system in the absence of significant storage capacities. Our calculations show that from a numerical perspective on average approximately half of the load can be met by RES if flexible conventional power stations would provide the remaining electricity demand. However, in a 100% RES scenario a significant amount of storage capacities as well as limited overcapacities are required to ensure a reliable electricity supply. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2014
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