Techno-socio-economic energy system optimization: A pareto-based approach

Abstract

To meet the 1.5 °C goal of the Paris agreement, a rapid transition of energy supply is needed. Not only fossil based thermal power plants have to be replaced, but also 89 % of the global heat supply. While this parallel transition might be challenging, it also offers the chance to lift the potential of mutual benefits, i.e., the electricity sector can benefit from the integration as the sector coupling can provide flexibility. In this context, automatic optimisation routines can aid finding solutions that are not just feasible but also meet other demands, such as affordability. However, different stakeholders often have deviating, sometimes even contradicting demands for qualities of energy systems. Even affordability might be read in different ways. Also, we find ourselves in a situation where physics and regulations might not overlap. This contribution presents an approach designed to explore the space of optimal solutions, facilitating informed decisions, including the weighting of various design goals, late in the planning process. The contribution also gives examples, where the energy system model has to deviate from the actual physical system. The Energetisches Nachbarschaftsquartier (ENaQ) serves as a case study for this approach. Its boundary conditions are shortly outlined and example results are assessed.