Transformation of the European gas infrastructure towards a climate-neutral energy system

Abstract

Energy system modelling and optimisation is a powerful method to derive decarbonisation pathways to support policy makers in shaping our future energy systems. Their defining feature will be a multi-modal setup, which will allow for electricity from volatile renewable energy sources to be used across all sectors including transport, heat and industry. This will include the utilisation of hydrogen and derived synthetic fuels. The project therefore aims at integrating the electricity, natural gas and future hydrogen transportation network into one European model to analyse the effects and possibilities of sector coupling on the overall energy system. To do so, a linear programme with high spatial and temporal resolution is set up in the REMix energy system modelling framework including the three options hydrogen blending, natural gas pipeline reassignment, as well as the new construction of dedicated hydrogen pipelines. In the final model, all implemented technologies will be integrally optimised across all sectors making it possible to give indications on their optimal placement, installed capacities and the amount of transportation necessary to supply them with energy towards the target year 2050.