Brian Vad Mathiesen

2050 pathway to an active renewable energy scenario for Jiangsu province

In 2009, Jiangsu province of China supplied 99.6 percent of its total energy consumption with fossil fuels, of which 82 percent was imported from other provinces and countries. With rising energy demand, frequent energy shortages, and increasing pollution, it is essential for Jiangsu to put more emphasis on improving its energy efficiency and utilizing its renewable resources in the future. This paper presents the integrated energy pathway for Jiangsu during its social and economic transformation until 2050. EnergyPLAN is the chosen energy system analysis tool, since it accounts for all sectors of the energy system that needs to be considered when integrating large-scale renewable energy. A current policy scenario (CPS) based on current energy policies and an ambitious policy scenario (APS) based on large-scale integration of renewable energy and ambitious measures of energy efficiency improvement are proposed. The two energy pathways are modeled and compared in terms of technology combination, non-fossil fuel shares of primary energy supply, socioeconomic costs, and CO2 emissions. The insights from these pathways can provide valuable input for Jiangsus future energy policies.

Fuel-efficiency of hydrogen and heat storage technologies for integration of fluctuating renewable energy sources

This paper presents the methodology and results of analysing the use of different energy storage technologies in the task of integration of fluctuating renewable energy sources (RES) into the electricity supply. The analysis is done on the complete electricity system including renewable energy sources as well as power plants and CHP (combined heat and power production). Emphasis is put on the need for ancillary services. Devices to store electricity as well as devices to store heat can be used to help the integration of fluctuating sources. Electricity storage technologies can be used to relocate electricity production directly from the sources, while heat storage devices can be used to relocate the electricity production from CHP plants and hereby improve the ability to integrate RES. The analyses are done by advanced computer modelling and the results are given as diagrams showing the system ability to integrate RES inputs between 0 and 100 percent of the electricity demand.

Response to ‘Burden of proof: A comprehensive review of the feasibility of 100% renewable-electricity systems’

Abstract A recent article ‘Burden of proof: A comprehensive review of the feasibility of 100% renewable-electricity systems’ claims that many studies of 100% renewable electricity systems do not demonstrate sufficient technical feasibility, according to the criteria of the articles authors (henceforth ‘the authors’). Here we analyse the authors’ methodology and find it problematic. The feasibility criteria chosen by the authors are important, but are also easily addressed at low economic cost, while not affecting the main conclusions of the reviewed studies and certainly not affecting their technical feasibility. A more thorough review reveals that all of the issues have already been addressed in the engineering and modelling literature. Nuclear power, which the authors have evaluated positively elsewhere, faces other, genuine feasibility problems, such as the finiteness of uranium resources and a reliance on unproven technologies in the medium- to long-term. Energy systems based on renewables, on the other hand, are not only feasible, but already economically viable and decreasing in cost every year.

Chapter 6 – Analysis: Smart Energy Systems and Infrastructures

This chapter introduces the concept of smart energy systems. As opposed to the smart grid concept, which takes focuses solely on the electricity sector, smart energy systems includes the entire energy system in its approach to identifying suitable energy infrastructure designs and operating strategies. The typical smart grid focus on the electricity sector often leads to the definition of transmission lines, flexible electricity demands, and electricity storage as the primary means to deal with the integration of fluctuating renewable sources. However, due to the intermittent nature of wind power and similar sources, these measures are not very effective or cost-efficient. The most effective and least-cost solutions are found when the electricity sector is combined with the heating sector and/or the transportation sector. Moreover, the combination of electricity and gas infrastructures may play an important role in the design of future renewable energy systems.

Analysis: 100 Percent Renewable Energy Systems

Based on case studies from the United States, Denmark, and China, this chapter analyzes the problems and perspectives of converting the present energy system into a 100 percent renewable energy system using a smart energy systems approach. The design of 100 percent renewable energy systems involves three major technological changes: energy savings on the demand side, efficiency improvements in energy production, and the replacement of fossil fuels by various sources of renewable energy. Consequently, the analysis of these systems must include strategies for integrating renewable sources into complex energy systems influenced by energy savings and efficiency measures. The cases involve detailed hourly analyses and quantify resources and balancing problems within the electricity as well as the heating, transportation, and gas sectors. This chapter makes conclusions regarding the principles and methodologies, as well as the design and implementation, of 100 percent renewable energy systems.

Modelling energy demand of Croatian industry sector

Industry represents one of the most interesting sectors when analysing Croatian final energy demand. Croatian industry represents 20% of nation’s GDP and employs 25% of total labour force making it a significant subject for the economy. Today, with around 60 PJ of final energy demand it is the third most energy intensive sector in Croatia after transport and households. Implementing mechanisms that would lead to improvements in energy efficiency in this sector seems relevant. Through this paper, long-term energy demand projections for Croatian industry will be shown. The central point for development of the model will be parameters influencing the industry in Croatia. Energy demand predictions in this paper are based upon bottom-up approach model. IED model produces results which can be compared to Croatian National Energy Strategy. One of the conclusions shown in this paper is significant possibilities for energy efficiency improvements and lower energy demand in the future.

Analysis: Smart Energy Systems and Infrastructures

This chapter introduces the concept of smart energy systems. As opposed to the smart grid concept, which takes focuses solely on the electricity sector, smart energy systems includes the entire energy system in its approach to identifying suitable energy infrastructure designs and operating strategies. The typical smart grid focus on the electricity sector often leads to the definition of transmission lines, flexible electricity demands, and electricity storage as the primary means to deal with the integration of fluctuating renewable sources. However, due to the intermittent nature of wind power and similar sources, these measures are not very effective or cost-efficient. The most effective and least-cost solutions are found when the electricity sector is combined with the heating sector and/or the transportation sector. Moreover, the combination of electricity and gas infrastructures may play an important role in the design of future renewable energy systems.

Smart Energy Storages for Integration of Renewables in 100% Independent Energy Systems

Primary energy import dependence of the European Union is currently around 53%, and it is expected that in the next 20-30 years it will reach or surpass 70%. The situation in Croatia is similar. In 2007 import dependence was 53.1%, while for 2030 it is predicted to reach 72%. Such import dependence leads to decreased security of energy supply, due to current geopolitical situation in which main sources of fossil fuels are in unstable regions and in which the competition for those resources from developing countries is growing. EU energy strategy, and a compatible Croatian strategy, is focused on policies and measures that will bring increase of share of renewable and distributed energy sources, increase in energy efficiency and energy savings and decrease in green house gas emissions. The results of previous research has shown that in order to increase efficiency and viability, there is need for energy storage, in the primary or secondary form, in order to transfer energy surplus form period of excess to the period when there is a lack. The problem of storage systems is that they increase the cost of already expensive distributed and renewable energy sources, making them, in market circumstances, even less economically viable. Although there are a number of storage technologies, as chemical, potential or heat energy, not all those technologies are optimal for each energy system. The paper shows results of energy planning and several cases where use of smart energy storage system could help with integration of the energy flows, the transformations and energy demand at the location of the energy enduse or close to it.

Increasing RES Penetration and Security of Energy Supply by Use of Energy Storages and Heat Pumps in Croatian Energy System

In this paper integration of wind power generation into the Croatian electricity supply is analysed using available technologies. The starting point is a model of the energy system in Croatia in 2007. Comprehensive hour-by-hour energy system analyses are conducted of a complete system meeting electricity, heat and transport demands, and including renewable energy, power plants, and combined heat and power production (CHP) for district heating. Using the 2007 energy system the wind power share is increased by two energy storage options: Pumped hydro and heat pumps in combination with heat storages. The results show that such options can enable an increased penetration of wind power. Using pumped hydro storage (PHS) may increase wind power penetration from 0.5 TWh, for existing PHS installations and up to 6 TWh for very large installations. Using large heat pumps and heat storages in combination with specific regulation of power system could additionally increase wind penetration for 0.37 TWh. Hence, with the current technologies installed in the Croatian energy system the installed pumped hydro-plant may facilitate more than 10% wind power in the electricity system. Large-scale integration of wind power in the Croatian energy systems requires new technologies in other parts of the energy system.

Renewable Energy Systems

This chapter introduces the concept of smart energy systems. As opposed to the smart grid concept, which takes focuses solely on the electricity sector, smart energy systems includes the entire energy system in its approach to identifying suitable energy infrastructure designs and operating strategies. The typical smart grid focus on the electricity sector often leads to the definition of transmission lines, flexible electricity demands, and electricity storage as the primary means to deal with the integration of fluctuating renewable sources. However, due to the intermittent nature of wind power and similar sources, these measures are not very effective or cost-efficient. The most effective and least-cost solutions are found when the electricity sector is combined with the heating sector and/or the transportation sector. Moreover, the combination of electricity and gas infrastructures may play an important role in the design of future renewable energy systems.