Abstract
Abstract. This paper analyses several energy system scenarios towards 2050 for the North Sea region. With a focus on offshore wind power, the impacts of meshed offshore grid and sector coupling are studied. First, a project-based scenario, where each offshore wind power plant is connected individually to the onshore power system, is compared to a meshed grid scenario. Both the amount of offshore wind power installed and the level of curtailment are assessed. Then, these results are compared to a scenario with sector coupling included. The results show that while the introduction of a meshed grid can increase the amount of offshore wind power installed towards 2050, sector coupling is expected to be a more important driver for increasing offshore wind power installations. In addition, sector coupling can significantly decrease the level of offshore wind curtailment.
Highlights
The North Sea offers high offshore wind power potential
A meshed offshore grid in the North Sea has been proposed as an option for connecting transmission and offshore wind generation investments in the region (Konstantelos et al, 2017; Gorenstein Dedecca et al, 2017; de Decker et al, 2011)
This paper presents results by comparing an integrated approach, where meshed grid and onshore transmission and generation investments are optimized jointly, to a project-based scenario, where each offshore wind power plant (OWPP) is connected individually to the onshore power system
Summary
The North Sea offers high offshore wind power potential. In addition, several existing and planned transmission lines are located in the region. This paper presents results by comparing an integrated approach, where meshed grid and onshore transmission and generation investments are optimized jointly, to a project-based scenario, where each offshore wind power plant (OWPP) is connected individually to the onshore power system. Another development that can have significant impact on variable renewable energy (VRE) generation is sector coupling (Brown et al, 2018; Münster et al, 2020; WindEurope, 2018).
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