Costs of regional equity and autarky in a renewable European power system. (May 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Neumann, Fabian
• Is Part Of: Energy strategy reviews. Volume 35(2022)
• Publication Date: 2021-05
• Subjects: Energy system modelling -- Distributional equity -- Autarky -- Renewables -- Decentralised systems; Energy policy -- Periodicals; 333.7905
• DOI: 10.1016/j.esr.2021.100652
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2211-467X

Abstract

Abstract: The spatial distribution of infrastructure plays a key role in shaping the levels of social acceptance in future energy systems. Here, I evaluate the cost impact and changes in the system composition when development of infrastructure is more evenly shared among countries and regions in a fully renewable European power system. I deliberately deviate from the resource-induced cost optimum towards more equitable and self-sufficient solutions in terms of power generation. The analysis employs the open optimization model PyPSA-Eur. I show that purely cost-optimal solutions lead to very inhomogeneous distributions of capacities, but more uniform expansion plans can be achieved on a national level at little additional expense below 4%. However, completely autarkic solutions, without power transmission, appear much more costly across a variety of technology cost assumptions. Highlights: Cost-optimal solutions lead to inhomogeneous distribution of capacities. More regionally equitable solutions increase costs by merely 4% on a national level. Autarkic solutions without power transmission are much more costly but feasible.