Assessment of the Electricity System Transition towards High Share of Renewable Energy Sources in South Asian Countries

Aqsa Rana,Gyula Gróf

doi:10.3390/en15031139

Abstract

The progressive use of renewable energy sources to ensure a continuous and abundant energy supply is the significant target towards a sustainable and secure energy system. Previously, the countries that had relied on fossil fuel as a dominating energy source are now endorsing energy system transition towards renewable energy sources. In this study, a comparative assessment of the energy problems of South Asian countries is summarized. Nevertheless, there are many similarities and differences in the electricity supply system of these countries. Long-term planning for renewable energy development is suggested for a diverse population and dispersed geographical location considering all the significant challenges. However, appropriate schemes are imperative for integrating significant renewable energy sources. This study introduces a foresight plan of the electricity model according to the demand and supply balance for extensive technical analysis. The EnergyPLAN modeling tool was employed to work out a more ambitious VRE integration scenario than the official plans. The reference model was validated according to legitimate and authentic data, and then, the technically most feasible renewable energy-based alternate scenario was built. The additional grid integration cost of variable renewable energy was quantitatively investigated for comprehensive power system modeling for a real-time economic analysis. The results may be adapted and support developing more sustainable power generation serving 1787 million in South Asian countries.

Highlights

The global energy consumption practices are going through essential reforms to cope with growing energy demand and severe climate challenges [1]
Among other challenges, public awareness towards renewable energy (RE) adaptability is a crucial obstacle in South Asian countries, because most of the population resides in rural areas
This study emphasized that long-term energy system planning is compulsory to cope with South Asian energy problems, and variable renewable energy (VRE) is recommended as the most suitable alternative energy source

Summary

Introduction

The global energy consumption practices are going through essential reforms to cope with growing energy demand and severe climate challenges [1]. Due to the depletion of fossil fuels, an alarming situation for adopting alternative energy sources has occurred. Integrating renewable energy (RE) plays a significant role in progressive changes among alternative energy sources. Renewable energy sources (RES) provide immense environmental benefits and can revamp the global power system. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA) report of 2020, hydro, solar, bioenergy, and wind power sources will share almost 40% of the global electricity supply by the end of 2030. The extensive integration of variable renewable energy (VRE) creates complexities in controlling the power system due to its intermittent nature. With limited storage and backup capacity, VRE causes problems maintaining the demand and supply balance

Methods

Results

Conclusion