Decarbonization scenarios for the EU and MENA power system: Considering spatial distribution and short term dynamics of renewable generation

• Published in: Energy policy Vol. 47; pp. 282 - 290
• Main Authors: Haller, Markus, Ludig, Sylvie, Bauer, Nico
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Kidlington Elsevier Ltd 01.08.2012; Elsevier; Elsevier Science Ltd
• Subjects: Air pollution caused by fuel industries; Alternative energy; Applied sciences; CO2 abatement; Economic data; Electric energy; electricity costs; Electricity distribution; Electricity generation; Emissions control; Energy; Energy economics; Energy policy; Energy. Thermal use of fuels; European Union; Exact sciences and technology; General, economic and professional studies; General. Regulations. Norms. Economy; Integration of renewables; Methodology. Modelling; Natural energy; Power system planning; renewable energy sources; Studies; Middle East; Northern Africa; Europe; North Africa; Asia; Middle east; Africa; Integration of renewables; CO2 abatement; Power system planning; Cost minimization; Script; Energetic system; Pollution control; Energy transition; Carbon dioxide; Economic optimization; Transmission capacity; CO; Pollutant emission; Long term; Modeling; 2050; Electricity; Renewable energy; Storage capacity; European Union; Environment impact; Production capacity; Electric power production; abatement; Energy storage
• ISSN: 0301-4215; 1873-6777
• DOI: 10.1016/j.enpol.2012.04.069

We use the multi-scale power system model LIMES-EU+ to explore coordinated long term expansion pathways for Renewable Energy (RE) generation, long distance transmission and storage capacities for the power sector of the Europe and Middle East/North Africa (MENA) regions that lead to a low emission power system. We show that ambitious emission reduction targets can be achieved at moderate costs by a nearly complete switch to RE sources until 2050, if transmission and storage capacities are expanded adequately. Limiting transmission capacities to current levels leads to higher storage requirements, higher curtailments, and to an increase in temporal and spatial electricity price variations. Results show an escalation of electricity prices if emission reductions exceed a critical value. Adequate expansion of transmission and storage capacities shift this threshold from 70% to 90% emission reductions in 2050 relative to 2010. ► We present an EU+MENA power system model that considers long term investments and integration of renewables. ► For low emission targets, renewable integration issues lead to escalating electricity prices. ► The feasibility frontier can be pushed by adequate transmission and storage investments. ► The transformation from wind/fossil to wind/solar regime changes integration requirements. ► Low emission targets can be reached without significant interconnections between EU and MENA regions.