Activities within techno-economic analysis of electricity systems, part 2

Research Project, 2020 –

The aim of this work package is to understand the future role of the electricity system under
various scenarios, considering different targets on emission reduction, renewable energy and
efficiency. The scope is mainly the European electricity system and to cover the entire value
chain from supply to end-use of electricity. A key is to assess how large amount of intermittent
(variable) electricity generation can be integrated in the most cost-efficient way and what will
be the role of consumers considering, demand side management and distributed generation
(i.e. their potential role as “Prosumers”). The aim is also to enhance the development
modelling which link the electricity generation to the heating system considering how combined heat and power generation can interact with the future electricity markets with
volatile electricity prices due to increased share of VRE.
The main focus of this area is on wind power generation and grid integration in an integrated
energy systems context, considering the interplay between supply, transmission and end-use
of electricity. A large part of the activities is related to the development of modelling methods
which can analyse the consequences of large-scale integration VRE generation. Thus, the
research is part of a more extensive work on modelling and analysing the transformation of
the energy system, with focus on the electricity system with links to relevant sectors such as
transportation, heating and end-use. Thus, the funding from Area of Advance Energy is used
to leverage the work.
We currently have a modelling toolbox which can study the interplay between investments in
intermittent power generation, transmission capacity and the thermal capacity of various
characteristics (with part load and start and stop costs taken into account). The modelling
includes a comprehensive database of the existing power plant system (EU28 plus Norway
and Switzerland) as well as detailed weather data for wind power resources and solar influx
data. The part in the modelling which describes the transmission network has been developed
together with the Division of Electric Power Engineering. Recent development has focussed
on industrial systems and how future electricity demand can be integrated to enhance the
value of VRE (in particular wind power) by efficient integration such as producing hydrogen
for industry (e.g. iron and steel industry).
Work during 2020 will focus on further developing our modelling package and apply the
modelling to the above-mentioned sectors. Particularly, the transportation sector and energy
intensive industries (e.g. the above mentioned Mistra Carbon Exit and NEPP projects). The
persons first and foremost taking part of this funding are Mikael Odenberger and Mariliis
Lehtveer/post doc.