Abstract
The ongoing needs to develop power systems towards more environmentally friendly technologies with respect to climate change in conjunction with the continuous evolution of the respective market conditions is leading to a transition away from the traditional system operation. The upcoming challenges have motivated the development of an increasing number of models for transmission grids. Nevertheless, the high complexity of such models renders it exceedingly difficult to compare their results as well as any corresponding conclusions.In this paper, we develop an open framework to compare a variety of pan-European transmission grid models with a strong focus on the German power system. The comparison is performed in both a qualitative and quantitative manner, depending on the investigated modeling aspect including input data, methods, system boundaries and results. The quantitative model comparison is done by performing harmonized model experiments, one for 2016 as back testing and one for 2030 for analyzing the future system.Core elements of our comparison framework are:We proved that our comparison framework is suitable to make similarities and differences between the different model results visible, e.g. using quadratic heat maps. To ensure transparency and to support the open modeling community, the fact sheets with the model specifications and the database with selected model results are uploaded on the open energy platform.
Highlights
A significant increase in the desire for analyzing the European power system has been observed over the past decade, resulting in a variety of modeling approaches that have been developed by scientists in order to accurately represent its properties and behavior
It can be observed that despite all models attempt to describe the same real world system, the variety of the different methods and input data for the different modeling contexts result in significant differences in model output
To how each model is developed within a specific context, model comparison may depend on the comparison context
Summary
A significant increase in the desire for analyzing the European power system has been observed over the past decade, resulting in a variety of modeling approaches that have been developed by scientists in order to accurately represent its properties and behavior. One of the most important drivers for this trend includes the commitment of the European Union to decarbonize its economy, and the power sector constitutes one of the highest emitters, which will require the use of a variety of novel generation, transmission and storage technologies. Such technologies may substantially alter and pose challenges to the traditional way of power system operation, control and security, while questions regarding costefficient transition can become difficult to ask. Specific models are used to better illustrate these approaches and provide further insight; a complete comparison of models is beyond the scope of this paper, which focuses primarily on developing and discussing the comparison framework itself
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