Abstract
In this study power generation and demand are matched through a least-cost mix of renewable energy (RE) resources and storage technologies for North America by 2030. The study is performed using an hourly resolved model based on a linear optimization algorithm. The geographical, technical and economic potentials of different forms of RE resources enable the option of building a super grid between different North American regions. North America (including the U.S., Canada and Mexico in this paper), is divided into 20 sub-regions based on their population, demand, area and electricity grid structure. Four scenarios have been evaluated: region-wide, country-wide, area-wide and an integrated scenario. The levelised cost of electricity is found to be quite attractive in such a system, with the range from 63 €/MWhel in a decentralized case and 42 €/MWhel in a more centralized and integrated scenario. Electrical grid interconnections significantly reduce the storage requirement and overall cost of the energy system. Among all RE resources, wind and solar PV are found to be the least-cost options and hence the main contributors to fossil fuel substitution. The results clearly show that a 100% RE-based system is feasible and a real policy option at a modest cost. However, such a tremendous transition will not be possible in a short time if policy-makers, energy investors and other relevant organizations do not support the proposed system.
Highlights
Over the past few decades, global population has increased and living standards have advanced dramatically in many parts of the world
Phasing out nuclear and fossil fuels is unlikely to be generally acceptable, but eliminating greenhouse gas emissions, known as the “net zero emissions” target by mid-21st century agreed at Conference of the Parties (COP21)
The electricity demand, gas demand and clean water demand can be supplied by electricity generation based on renewable energy (RE) resources as well
Summary
Over the past few decades, global population has increased and living standards have advanced dramatically in many parts of the world. Energy demand is increasing, in the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) countries due to their high economic development and advanced lifestyle. The U.S has less than 5% of the world’s population [1], it consumes as much as 25% of the global primary energy used [2]. Increasing world population will lead to several formidable challenges, such as climate change, a greater gap between energy demand and supply, and depletion of fossil fuel resources. Phasing out nuclear and fossil fuels is unlikely to be generally acceptable, but eliminating greenhouse gas emissions, known as the “net zero emissions” target by mid-21st century agreed at Conference of the Parties (COP21).
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