Carbon neutral archipelago – 100% renewable energy supply for the Canary Islands. (15th February 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Gils, Hans Christian; Simon, Sonja
• Is Part Of: Applied energy. Volume 188(2017)
• Page Start: 342
• Page End: 355
• Publication Date: 2017-02-15
• Subjects: BAU business-as-usual -- BEV battery electric vehicle -- CCGT combined cycle gas turbine -- CHP combined heat and power -- CSP concentrating solar power -- DC direct current -- DR demand response -- GDP gross domestic product -- GHG greenhouse gases -- PSH pumped storage hydro -- PV photovoltaic -- RE renewable energy -- TES thermal energy storage; Energy scenario -- Renewable energy -- Canary Islands -- Hydrogen -- Demand response -- Energy system modelling; Power (Mechanics) -- Periodicals; Energy conservation -- Periodicals; Energy conversion -- Periodicals; 621.042
• DOI: 10.1016/j.apenergy.2016.12.023
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0306-2619

Abstract

Highlights: A pathway to a 100% renewable energy supply for the Canary Islands is presented. Hourly system operation is analysed, considering flexibility options and sector linkage. Results show feasibility of a carbon neutral energy supply with local resources. High resolution power system model highlights importance of grid connections. Abstract: As many other small islands and archipelagos, the Canary Islands depend to a high degree on energy imports. Despite its small surface, the archipelago has a high potential for renewable energy (RE) technologies. In this paper, we present a scenario pathway to a 100% RE supply in the Canary Islands by 2050. It relies on a back-casting approach linking the bottom-up accounting framework Mesap-PlaNet and the high resolution power system model REMix. Our analysis shows that locally available technology potentials are sufficient for a fully renewable supply of the islands' power, heat, and land transport energy demands. To follow the pathway for achieving a carbon neutral supply, expansion of RE technology deployment needs to be accelerated in the short-term and efforts towards greater energy efficiency must be increased. According to our results, an extended linkage between energy sectors through electric vehicles as well as electric heating, and the usage of synthetic hydrogen can contribute notably to the integration of intermittent RE power generation. Furthermore, our results highlight the importance of power transmission in RE supply systems. Supply costs are found 15% lower in a scenario considering sea cable connections between all islands.