Analysis of supergrids to supply the world with renewable energy

Research Project, 2017 – 2019

Electricity from wind and solar are getting cheaper and the new capacity is being built at a rapid pace. As the variable electricity generation accounts for a growing share of electricity generation, the physical conditions in the form of wind and sun conditions to a higher extent sets the conditions for the system. The question is whether the so-called supergrid would enable the integration of solar and wind power at a lower cost. A global grid would have two main advantages: First, one could use a good sun and wind resources in remote locations, and second, you could use the opportunity to an even greater extent even out production variations. Through access to new data and new modeling techniques is we intend the project to model and analyze the potential for a super grid. This will be done by building an innovative network model of the electric system, based on experience and knowledge acquired Chalmers in recent years. The project will also be made in cooperation with IIASA.