Consideration of Material Criticality for Battery Subtechnologies in an Energy System Optimization Model for Belgium and the Netherlands

Abstract

This research focuses on the consideration of material criticality for battery subtechnologies in an energy system modelling framework. By employing a multi-objective optimization methodology, the research seeks to minimize the overall cost of the system while simultaneously minimizing the criticality. The criticality factor is based on the methodology of the EU and is implemented for the following battery types: Lithium Nickel Cobalt Manganese Oxide (NMC-111), Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP), Lead Acid and Redox Flow. The REMix framework has been utilized and adapted to represent a fully renewable electricity system in the Netherlands and Belgium and include a pareto front for the optimization. First, a base scenario on cost optimization was developed and used as a comparison scenario. The difference in the sub-technologies, when the criticality is considered, results mostly in a reduction of storage capacity which was substituted by the import of electricity. There are minor changes in the choice of subtechnology, which result from an adaptation of storage need. In conclusion, the implementation of the criticality factor for one technology class has an influence on the design of the energy system. Nevertheless, a larger change is expected when the criticality factor is implemented for all technologies.