• Energy Research

Hydrogen can be key in the energy system transition. We investigate the role of offshore hydrogen generation in a future integrated energy system, and its interaction with other system elements. By performing energy system optimisation in a model application of the Northern-central European energy system and the North Sea offshore grid towards 2050, we find that offshore hydrogen generation may likely only play a limited role, and that offshore wind energy has higher value when sent to shore in the form of electricity. Forcing all hydrogen generation offshore would lead to increased energy system costs (9-28 b\EUR2016/year by 2045). Under the assumed scenario conditions, hydrogen generation - both onshore and offshore - follows solar PV generation patterns. Combined with hydrogen storage, this is the most cost-effective solution to satisfy future hydrogen demand. Overall, we find that the role of future offshore hydrogen generation should not simply be derived from minimizing costs for the offshore sub-system, but by also considering the value that such generation would create for the whole integrated energy system. Based on our results, a stronger political effort to promote the integration of offshore wind in onshore energy markets via electrical connection is called for.

Renewable & sustainable energy reviews 161, 112272 (2022). doi:10.1016/j.rser.2022.112272 special issue: "MODEX: energy system model comparisons through harmonized applications / Edited by Hans Christian Gils, Jochen Linßen, Dominik Möst, Christoph Weber" Published by Elsevier Science, Amsterdam [u.a.]

Decarbonizing Sweden’s transportation sector is necessary to realize its long-term vision of eliminating net greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from the energy system by 2050. Within this context, this study develops two scenarios for the transportation sector: one with high electrification (EVS) and the other with high biofuel and biomethane utilization (BIOS). The energy system model STREAM is utilized to compute the socioeconomic system cost and simulate an integrated transportation, electricity, gas, fuel refinery, and heat system. The results show that electrifying a high share of Sweden’s road transportation yields the least systems cost. However, in the least-cost scenario (EVS), bioenergy resources account for 57% of the final energy use in the transportation sector. Further, a sensitivity analysis shows that the costs of different types of cars are the most sensitive parameters in the comparative analysis of the scenarios. International Journal of Sustainable Energy Planning and Management, Vol 14 (2017)

Abstract Energy system models are powerful tools used to develop decarbonisation pathways and to assess the green energy transition. This paper presents the open source energy scenario tool STREAM, by describing the modelling approach, applications, strengths, limitations, and potential future developments. STREAM is a dialogue tool, which is used by a broad audience to conduct quick analyses and to explore plausible scenarios for future integrated energy systems, covering all sectors. STREAM is a relatively simple spreadsheet, which ensures transparency, allows stakeholder involvement, and is suitable for scenario discussions and developments. Moreover, STREAM can be soft-linked with more sophisticated energy tools. STREAM contributes to the integrated energy systems modelling field by providing a fast transparent open source modelling tool, which simulates the entire energy system with detailed chronological temporal resolution, in order to provide insights related to future energy trends. Results from the STREAM model are used by researchers, stakeholders, and policy makers in developing scenarios for analysing strategic decisions regarding the desired development of future energy systems.

Abstract A radical adjustment to current energy systems will be imperative in achieving the Paris Agreement. This paper analyses the holistic 2050 Danish energy system and particularly its future transport sector, which aims to be fossil fuel independent. Using a linear optimisation tool (Balmorel-OptiFlow), the role of electrofuels is analysed at a high temporal and geographic resolution for the Nordic + German region. Electrofuel technologies have been investigated and incorporated into the energy model creating a comprehensive catalogue of alternative fuel pathways. Results reveal an energy system with a high reliance on variable energy sources. Electrofuels that utilise biomass have been found to be more economically attractive compared to electrofuels using carbon capture. Biomass costs, fuel demands, and electricity prices drive the competition between the evaluated alternative fuel pathways. Carbon capture technologies are found to not play a role in the production of transport fuels unless future biomass resources are more limited or costly than expected. Additionally, it has been found that temporal resolution can greatly affect results when modelling alternative fuel pathways. The study concludes that electrofuels - particularly those using biomass - can play a prominent role in future transport sectors.

The present paper summarizes the analysis of the Task Force of WG1 experts of the ETIP SNET platform that prepared a position paper aimed at describing the pathway to enable an integration of different energy carriers in order to support the achievement of the goals of the energy transition in 2050.

The shipping industry is a hard-to-abate sector in today's society. Although past studies have looked at levels of carbon pricing, fuel savings, and the upscaling of green fuel availability separately, we combine these critical parameters for a green transition of the shipping industry to show what it takes to reach sectoral emissions reduction targets in line with the Paris Agreement. We utilize a least-cost optimization model drawing on data on, e.g., emissions with lifecycle elements and the costs of green fuel production. We find that reaching maritime reduction targets for a green transition requires high growth rates for green fuel availability, carbon pricing beyond 300EUR/tCO2eq, and at least 50% in fuel demand savings compared to today's demand projection for 2050. The results show the importance of immediate climate action if maritime emissions reduction goals are to be achieved.