Critical review of renewable generation datasets and their implications for European power system models

Abstract

In the process of decarbonization, the global energy mix is shifting from fossil fuels to renewables. To study decarbonization pathways, large-scale energy system models are utilized. These models require accurate data on renewable generation to develop their full potential. Using different data can lead to conflicting results and policy advice. In this work, several datasets that are commonly used to study the transition towards a highly renewable European power system are compared. Significant differences between these datasets are found, resulting in cost-differences of about 10%. These findings indicate that much more attention must be paid to the large uncertainties of the input data.