Cross-sectoral analysis of future energy systems with REMix

Kurzfassung

Solar photovoltaic and wind power are increasingly contributing to electricity supply in Europe and worldwide. Due to their intermittent nature, questions of balancing power demand, system stability and the interconnection of electricity, heat and transport sector have become a major focus of energy system research. REMix is a high resolution multi-sectoral energy system model using a linear optimization approach. It has been developed with the aim of providing a powerful tool for the development and assessment of future energy supply scenarios. Model applications range from cost-minimum green-field capacity expansion analysis to validation of long-term supply scenarios and impact assessment of different storage and balancing options on renewable energy integration. The optimization in REMix is set up in a modular structure and currently comprises around 20 technology modules, describing power generation technologies, heat production technologies or balancing options. The latter include storage, demand response, transmission grids, as well as fuel cell and electric vehicles. Using REMix, the impact of different technologies on the overall system is studied. Model results are presented that show the importance of the interconnection between different demand sectors. Demand response, flexible hydrogen production for industry and transport sector and enhanced coupling between power and heat supply can provide notable amounts of balancing power and energy. Together with transmission grid expansion and additional storage, they can substantially reduce the demand for conventional power storage and fossil fuel back-up capacities.