Adriaan van der Welle

European scenario synthesis to be used for electricity transmission network planning

The EU research project IRENE-40 aims at the development of a roadmap for the European and Pan-European transmission networks for the next 40 years (until 2050). In addition to the know-how which technologies can be applied to solve transmission problems in the near and far future, an evaluation of the future generation and load scenarios is necessary. For this purpose five scenarios have been developed: BUSINESS AS USUAL (BAU) - RENEWABLE (RES) - DESERTEC (DES) - CARBON CAPTURE AND STORAGE (CCS) - HIGH EFFICIENCY (EFFICIENCY). In these demand-and generation scenarios the share of renewable, the penetration of Carbon Capture and Storage and the level of electricity demand vary widely. The reasoning behind the choices in the main parameters for these scenarios are discussed. The wide range in some of the major scenario assumptions cause substantially different circumstances for future grid expansion, Especially the share of solar PV and wind in future generation is a crucial parameter influencing the demand for long-distance transmission at a European scale. A comparison is made with some other recent scenario and roadmap studies with a 2050 horizon.

Distributed Generation and the Regulation of Distribution Networks

Electricity systems around the world are experiencing an increase in the amount of distributed electricity generation for a variety of reasons. In general the two main driving forces for a further penetration of distributed electricity generation in energy systems are market liberalisation and environmental concerns (Pepermans et al., 2005; Pecas Lopes et al., 2007). Distributed electricity generation allows electricity system actors more flexibility in dealing with changing market conditions and can have favourable environmental characteristics due to its renewable character (e.g. small-scale wind turbines and photovoltaics) or the efficient combination of electricity and heat production (e.g. small-scale combined heat and power (CHP) units). With an increasing attention for renewable electricity generation and energy efficiency improvements in energy policy the future will continue to see an increase in the share of distributed electricity generation in electricity systems.

Mind the gap: Challenges and policy options for cross-border transmission network investments

Cross-border transmission network investment requirements are expected to increase, in order to strengthen internal market integration and reach the renewable deployment policy target across Europe. This paper discusses the governance of cross-border transmission network infrastructure using four building blocks: network planning, ownership, financing and cost allocation. Firstly, the key characteristics of current regulatory arrangements and challenges faced are identified for each building block. Options are proposed jointly to address the identified challenges.