The benefits of cooperation in a highly renewable European electricity network. (1st September 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Schlachtberger, D.P.; Brown, T.; Schramm, S.; Greiner, M.
• Is Part Of: Energy. Volume 134(2017)
• Page Start: 469
• Page End: 481
• Publication Date: 2017-09-01
• Subjects: Energy system design -- Large-scale integration of renewable power generation -- Power transmission -- CO2 emission reduction targets; Power resources -- Periodicals; Power (Mechanics) -- Periodicals; Energy consumption -- Periodicals; 333.7905
• DOI: 10.1016/j.energy.2017.06.004
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0360-5442

Abstract

Abstract: To reach ambitious European CO2 emission reduction targets, most scenarios of future European electricity systems rely on large shares of wind and solar photovoltaic power generation. We interpolate between two concepts for balancing the variability of these renewable sources: balancing at continental scales using the transmission grid and balancing locally with storage. This interpolation is done by systematically restricting transmission capacities from the optimum level to zero. We run techno-economic cost optimizations for the capacity investment and dispatch of wind, solar, hydroelectricity, natural gas power generation and transmission, as well as storage options such as pumped-hydro, battery, and hydrogen storage. The simulations assume a 95% CO2 emission reduction compared to 1990, and are run over a full historical year of weather and electricity demand for 30 European countries. In the cost-optimal system with high levels of transmission expansion, energy generation is dominated by wind (65%) and hydro (15%), with average system costs comparable to today's system. Restricting transmission shifts the balance in favour of solar and storage, driving up costs by a third. As the restriction is relaxed, 85% of the cost benefits of the optimal grid expansion can be captured already with only 44% of the transmission volume. Highlights: Optimal transmission expansion allows highly renewable systems at current cost levels. Restricting transmission expansion leads to a non-linear cost increase by up to 30%. A relatively moderate amount of transmission already locks in most of the benefits. Wind generation is mostly smoothed by transmission, solar PV by shortterm storage.