Abstract
AbstractThe operation of conventional power plants in the 2030 high-renewable energy system of central Europe with high penetration of renewables is simulated in this work. Novel insights are gained in this work, since the generation, transmission and demand models have high geographic resolution, down to scale of individual units, with hourly temporal resolution. It is shown that the increases in the partload efficiency that optimize gas power plants’ financial performance in 2030 are highly dependent on the variability in power production of renewable power plants that are in close proximity to the gas power plants. While coal power plants are also cycled more, an increased baseload efficiency is more beneficial for their financial viability. Thus, there is a need for OEMs to offer a wide range of technology solutions to cover all customers’ needs in electricity markets with high penetrations of renewables. Therefore there is an increased investment risk for OEMs as they strive to match their customers’ future needs.
Highlights
In 2014, the European Commission published its Energy Strategy 2030 (EU Commission, 2014), which targets 27% of all energy consumed in EU to be renewable by 2030
Within EnerPol, a detailed geo-referenced representation of the central European power systems is the basis of hourly, chronological AC optimal power flow simulations
Coal power is replaced by gas power due to the increase in CO2 emissions prices, which causes coal to lose https://journal.gpps.global/a/2BIOTO/
Summary
In 2014, the European Commission published its Energy Strategy 2030 (EU Commission, 2014), which targets 27% of all energy consumed in EU to be renewable by 2030. At the same time, reduced wholesale electricity prices associated with the increased penetration of renewables necessitates lower marginal costs and higher baseload and partload efficiencies of conventional power plants. It is crucial for OEMs and utilities to quantify the financial benefits of new technologies and retrofit upgrades that enhance either flexibility or efficiency of the engines. Several studies have investigated the impacts of increased renewable penetrations on operation and financial performance of conventional power plants (ESB National Grid, 2004; Traber and Kemfert, 2011; Nikolova et al, 2013; Van den Bergh et al, 2013).
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
