Global Energy Interconnection Research Articles

Energy consumption and emission mitigation prediction based on data center traffic and PUE for global data centers

With the rapid development of technologies such as big data and cloud computing, data communication and data computing in the form of exponential growth have led to a large amount of energy consumption in data centers. Globally, data centers will become the world’s largest users of energy consumption, with the ratio rising from 3% in 2017 to 4.5% in 2025. Due to its unique climate and energy-saving advantages, the high-latitude area in the Pan-Arctic region has gradually become a hotspot for data center site selection in recent years. In order to predict and analyze the future energy consumption and carbon emissions of global data centers, this paper presents a new method based on global data center traffic and power usage effectiveness (PUE) for energy consumption prediction. Firstly, global data center traffic growth is predicted based on the Cisco’s research. Secondly, the dynamic global average PUE and the high latitude PUE based on Romonet simulation model are obtained, and then global data center energy consumption with two different scenarios, the decentralized scenario and the centralized scenario, is analyzed quantitatively via the polynomial fitting method. The simulation results show that, in 2030, the global data center energy consumption and carbon emissions are reduced by about 301 billion kWh and 720 million tons CO2 in the centralized scenario compared with that of the decentralized scenario, which confirms that the establishment of data centers in the Pan-Arctic region in the future can effectively relief the climate change and energy problems. This study provides support for global energy consumption prediction, and guidance for the layout of future global data centers from the perspective of energy consumption. Moreover, it provides support of the feasibility of the integration of energy and information networks under the Global Energy Interconnection conception.

Zonally Robust Decentralized Optimization for Global Energy Interconnection: Case Study on Northeast Asian Countries

Nowadays, the entire world is facing challenges in energy and environment. To resolve these problems, the power systems are interconnected to promote the development of renewable energy sources (RESs). However, the economic dispatch (ED) problem for the global energy interconnection (GEI) should tackle two issues: 1) handle the uncertainty from RES and allocate the responsibility among the interconnected countries and 2) protect the information privacy through the dispatch. Motivated by the above, this article proposes a zonally adjustable robust decentralized ED model for the GEI. In the model, each country is only responsible for its own uncertainty, and tie-line power flows remain unchanged under uncertainties. Moreover, an alternating direction method of multipliers (ADMM)-based fully distributed algorithm is used, in which only limited information should be exchanged between neighboring countries. Finally, a case study on the Northeast Asian countries verifies the effectiveness of the proposed method. Note to Practitioners —Since the renewable energy generation has a spatial correlation among regional countries, global energy interconnection (GEI) aims to combine several power systems together to promote the renewable energy accommodation. However, two problems need to be considered: 1) Information Privacy: The information privacy of the power system in each country should be preserved, which prevents the GEI from conducting a centralized optimal dispatch framework and 2) Uncertainty: The uncertain output of renewable energy resources brings challenge to the power system secure operation. The main contribution of this article is to set up a zonally robust decentralized optimization for the GEI, where the zonally robust economic dispatch (ED) is conducted by the area control error (ACE) system to manage the difference between scheduled and actual generation under the uncertainties, and the alternating direction method of multipliers (ADMMs) algorithm is adopted for decentralizing the zonally adjustable robust ED model, which only needs limited information. In particular, this article uses a real-world example from Northeast Asian Countries to help engineers understand the advantages of the GEI and the new dispatch framework.

Technical and economic demands of HVDC submarine cable technology for Global Energy Interconnection

Power transmission across the sea is an important part of global energy interconnection (GEI). To support the construction of GEI and to serve the needs of future clean energy trans-sea transportation and offshore wind power development, this study a) analyzes the requirements of the GEI backbone network pertaining to direct current (DC) submarine cable technology, and b) defines the key technical and economic indices of ultrahigh-voltage direct current (UHVDC) submarine cable based on theoretical computations. The research is based on the thermoelectric coupling model and the finite element method. It is shown that the dielectric strength of the insulating materials of the ±800 kV~±1100 kV/ 4000 MW~12000 MW UHVDC submarine cable (extrusion insulation) should be not less than 43~65 kV/mm, while the heat resistance is not less than 110 °C. As the cost of submarine cable is 5~10 times higher than that of the overhead line, the project investment need to be decreased to a level within the economical carrying capacity to guarantee extensive applicability of the HVDC submarine cable technology.

Insights for global energy interconnection from China renewable energy development

Vigorously developing global renewable energy such as wind energy, solar energy, and hydropower and realizing global clean resource sharing are paramount driving forces for building the Global Energy Interconnection (GEI). With the help of a comparative analysis of renewable energy development and global renewable energy development scenarios, this paper expounds on the similarities between China1 and global renewable energy development. Based on the analysis of renewable energy development and the status of global renewable energy development in China, this paper summarizes the relevant experience and problems of renewable energy development in China. According to these problems, this paper also puts forward the corresponding solutions and measures, that is, to promote the healthy and steady development of renewable energy in China through the source-network-load-storage and market coordination. Finally, by analyzing the development requirements and current foundation of GEI, insights and suggestions are proposed for the future development of renewable energy for the GEI construction.

A multi-level evaluation model for the recognition and assessment of impact factors associated with intercontinental power interconnection projects

The construction of intercontinental power grid interconnection projects is key to realizing the vision of Global Energy Interconnection, which is to solve global energy problems in a clean and sustainable manner. These projects may be influenced by a few factors that are neither technological nor economic, such as political, social, and international factors. This paper thus presents a multi-level model for recognizing which factor from a compiled list of 14 would impact a particular intercontinental interconnection project and for assessing the degree of the factor’s influence. In the first part of the model, the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) method is used to recognize the project’s most significant impact factors. Using the recognition results, the second part of the model can assess the degree of the factor’s influence on the project based on ratings provided by experts. A comprehensive evaluation can thus be provided. As a case study, the proposed Saudi Arabia-Ethiopia power grid interconnection project connecting Asia and Africa was analyzed. Derived from a combination of multiple opinions from experts, evaluations from the model will be of direct benefit to decision-makers, investors, project implementers, and engineers, providing them with a deeper insight into the project.

Research and Outlook on Global Energy Interconnection

Currently, the world is confronted with a series of challenges including resource shortage, climate change, environment pollution and energy poverty, which are rooted in the humanity’s deep dependence on and large-scale consumption of fossil energy. To tackle with those challenges is an urgent task for realizing sustainable development. The Global Energy Interconnection (GEI) is a clean energy-dominant, electricity-centered, interconnected and shared modern energy system. It is an important platform for large-scale development, transmission and utilization of clean energy resources at a global level, promoting the global energy transition characterized by cleaning, decarbonization, electrification and networking. The GEI has provided a scientific, novel and systematic solution to implement Agenda 2030 as well as the Paris Agreement. Focusing on the scope of clean transition and sustainable development, this paper has implemented qualitative and quantitative methods based on historic data. The global power demand and supply has been forecasted. Based on global clean energy resources endowments and distribution, a global main clean energy bases layout and generation planning optimization has been proposed. Later in this paper, the global power flow under the GEI scenario and corresponding GEI backbone grid has been explored and proposed. Finally, based on a preliminary investment estimation, the comprehensive benefits of building the GEI have been analyzed.

On the Techno-economic Benefits of a Global Energy Interconnection

The discussion about the benefits of a global energy interconnection is gaining momentum in recent years. The techno-economic benefits of this integration are broadly discussed for the major regions around the world. While there has not been substantial research on the techno-economic benefits, however, some initial results of the global energy interconnection are presented in this paper. Benefits achieved on the global scale are lower than the interconnections within the national and sub-national level. The world is divided into 9 major regions and the major regions comprise of 23 regions. When all the considered regions are interconnected globally, the overall estimated levelized cost of electricity is 52.5 €/MWh for year 2030 assumptions, which is 4% lower than an isolated global energy system. Further, the required installed capacities decrease by 4% for the fully interconnected system. Nevertheless, a more holistic view on the entire energy system will progress research on global energy interconnection as, synthetic power-to-X fuels and chemicals emerge as an important feature of the future sustainable global energy system with strong interactions of the power system not only to the supply, in energy fuel and chemicals trading globally, but also to the demand side. Global energy interconnection will be part of the solution to achieve the targets of the Paris Agreement and more research will help to better understand its impact and additional value.

Research on key technologies of deduction of multinational power trading in the context of Global Energy Interconnection

When transnationalized electricity trade is conducted in the context of Global Energy Interconnection (GEI), the transaction settlement usually has a long cycle and high cost and is influenced by the volatility of the exchange rate. It is thus necessary to overcome the problems associated with the transaction settlement, change in the trading model data, and trading strategy in the transnational transaction deduction. To overcome the problem of trade settlement, this paper proposes the use of a digital currency (energy currency) for the cross-border electricity trading settlement based on the special drawing rights of the International Monetary Fund, which is controlled by the Global Energy Interconnection Development and Cooperation Organization (GEIDCO), to enable the proposed currency to become a stable digital currency. The traders can use the energy coins as a unit of currency for quotes, combined with the data pertaining to the changes in the energy information obtained from the GEI framework and data regarding the optimally extrapolated reference trading indicators. To realize the implementation of the multi-trader concurrent transaction deduction using a microservice architecture, this paper proposes a method of computing the microservice and synchronous interaction among the traders, based on the database table data, because the large amount of computation is required to be accomplished asynchronously with a single process. The key technology behind these cross-national electricity trading simulations can not only enable the GEI transnational traders to performed daily real-time trading, but it also demonstrates the advantages of the rapid settlement of the energy currency and the realization of a stable payment in the global energy interconnection cross-border electricity trading.

Design and verification of a satellite-terrestrial integrated IP network model for the Global Energy Interconnection

In order to meet the pressing demand for wide-area communication required by the Global Energy Interconnection (GEI), accelerating the construction of satellite-terrestrial integrated networks that can achieve network extension and seamless global coverage has become the focus of power communication technology development. In this study, we propose a satellite-terrestrial integrated network model that can support interconnection and interoperation on the IP layer between the satellite system and the terrestrial segment of the existing power communication system. First, the composition and function of the satellite-terrestrial collaborative network are explained. Then, the IP-based protocol stack is described, and a typical application experiment is conducted to illustrate the particular process of this protocol stack. Finally, a use case of IP interconnection that depends on GEO satellite communication is detailed. The experimental study has showed that the satellite-terrestrial collaborative network can efficiently support various IP applications for the GEI.

Integration and development of energy and information network in the Pan-Arctic region

The Global Energy Interconnection is an important strategic approach used to achieve efficient worldwide energy allocation. The idea of developing integrated power, information, and transportation networks provides increased power interconnection functionality and meaning, helps condense forces, and accelerates the integration of global infrastructure. Correspondingly, it is envisaged that it will become the trend of industrial technological development in the future. In consideration of the current trend of integrated development, this study evaluates a possible plan of coordinated development of fiber-optic and power networks in the Pan-Arctic region. Firstly, the backbone network architecture of Global Energy Interconnection is introduced and the importance of the Arctic energy backbone network is confirmed. The energy consumption and developmental trend of global data centers are then analyzed. Subsequently, the global network traffic is predicted and analyzed by means of a polynomial regression model. Finally, in combination with the current construction of fiber-optic networks in the Pan-Arctic region, the advantages of the integration of the fiber-optic and power networks in this region are clarified in justification of the decision for the development of a Global Energy Interconnection scheme.

Quantitative credibility evaluation of Global Energy Interconnection data

The development of Global Energy Interconnection (GEI) is essential for supporting a wide range of basic data resources. The Global Energy Interconnection Development and Cooperation Organization has established a comprehensive data center covering six major systems. However, methods for accurately describing and scientifically evaluating the credibility of the massive amount of GEI data remain underdeveloped. To address this lack of such methods, a GEI data credibility quantitative evaluation model is proposed here. An evaluation indicator system is established to evaluate data credibility from multiple perspectives and ensure the comprehensiveness and impartiality of evaluation results. The Cloud Model abandons the hard division of comments to ensure objectivity and accuracy in evaluation results. To evaluate the suitability of the proposed method, a case analysis is conducted, wherein the proposed method demonstrates sufficient validity and feasibility.

Evaluation Method of the Spatial-Temporal Complementary Characteristics Between Power Source and Load Based on Power Big Data

With the rapid development of the intermittent renewable energy power generations such as wind power and solar power and the new random load such as EV, the double randomness become a great threat the safe and stable operation of power system. It has become a hot issue raised increasingly concern from the academic and engineering fields that how to reduce the randomness and volatility of the two sides of the system by utilizing the spatial-temporal complementary characteristics of different energy resources and loads. In this paper, the evaluation model of complementary characteristics between power and load across time and space based on the Power Big Data theory is proposed. By simulating the complementarity of the power supply and load between Northwest China and European load centres from three dimensions: load-load complementarity, source-source complementarity and source-load complementarity, it proves there are great complementary benefit by interconnecting the grids with different regions across continents, which provides a theoretical basis for the next implementation of the Global Energy Interconnection.

Research on the strategic framework and path design of Global energy interconnection standardization

As the main way of global energy supply in the future, the global energy interconnection will bring great impact on economic and social development. In order to give full play to the role of standardization, determine the specific implementation plan, and realize the overall strategy and deployment of the long-term goal of global energy Internet, this paper first summarizes the formulation and status of the strategic planning of the international standardization organization. By referring to the experience of international Organization, global energy interconnection’s strategic framework in the field of international energy standardization was constructed, and the path to realize global energy interconnection standardization strategy was designed. Finally, based on the future development of global energy Internet, this paper puts forward the proposal of standardized strategic planning.

Global Energy Interconnection vision and key technologies

Global Energy Interconnection vision and key technologies

Alleviating freshwater shortages with combined desert-based large-scale renewable energy and coastal desalination plants supported by Global Energy Interconnection

Under the background of sustainable energy transition and environmental protection, Global Energy Interconnection (GEI), which features an innovative combination of clean energy (e.g., solar power) and ultra-high voltage (UHV) transmission technologies, provides a means to realize global climate governance. China is a large country with unevenly distributed water resources, energy production, and energy consumption, and the large areas of desert in northern and western China have the potential for installing large-scale solar power plants. This study analyzed the potential of using large-scale solar power from deserts to coastal seawater desalination plants, which could alleviate the freshwater crisis and control desertification in China. First, the measurement data from NASA were used to estimate the potential exploitable amount of solar energy in desert areas. A macro idea was proposed for the transmission of electrical power from inland integrated energy bases to coastal seawater desalination and pumping of freshwater to western China to combat desertification and alleviate the freshwater crisis. Based on this, the electricity demands for desalination and water redistribution were estimated. As a huge interruptible load, desalination and pumping systems could be used to suppress power fluctuations of the integrated energy bases. Finally, the fundamental support roles of UHV grids in large-scale renewable energy allocation and utilization were discussed. This analysis offers a theoretical framework to help realize efficient renewable energy generation and consumption and alleviate freshwater shortage.

Wind and Storage Cooperative Scheduling Strategy Based on Deep Reinforcement Learning Algorithm

Wind energy has become one of the most promising new energy sources in the context of the global energy interconnection. However, the inherent uncertainty of wind power and the volatility of its output make it difficult to join the internet for scheduling. The uncertainty of the output must be reduced or even eliminated by certain methods. In this paper, wind power and energy storage are coordinated to eliminate the uncertainty of wind power output, and to reduce the burden on the grid while ensuring the long-term operation of wind farms. This paper first introduces Q-learning in reinforcement learning as a controller. Through a large number of historical wind power data training, the controller has good decision-making ability, so as to reduce the punishment caused by wind power uncertainty; then the Q-learning is improved aiming at the maximum average income of the stage. Finally, the Q-value network is established with conventional Q-learning and improved Q-learning. The DQN algorithm in the deep reinforcement learning algorithm is introduced for deep training and decision-making and the three algorithms are verified. The result proves that the deep reinforcement learning algorithm can achieve better control effect than Q-learning.

Global Energy Interconnection: A building block towards planetary stewardship

Global Energy Interconnection: A building block towards planetary stewardship

Long-term cross-border electricity trading model under the background of Global Energy Interconnection

Environmental problems caused by traditional power production and the unbalanced distribution of energy resources and demand limit the development of sustainable societies. A feasible method to optimize the resource allocation has been proposed, and it involves cross-border and cross-regional electricity transactions. However, the uncertainty of renewable energy and the specific features of the cross-border electricity market are key issues which need to be considered in the trading mechanism design. Based on this, this paper sets up a long-term cross-border electricity trading model considering the uncertainty of renewable energy. First, annual transactions are matched according to the declared data of bidders with consideration of cross-border interconnection development benefits, potential benefit risks, and transmission costs. Second, for annual contract decomposition, the model uses the minimum generation cost function with a penalty item for power shortages to allocate electricity to each month. Additionally, the scenario reduction algorithm is combined with the unit commitment to construct a stochastic generation plan. Finally, a case study of the numerical results for the multinational electricity market in northeast Asia is used to show that the proposed trading model is feasible for cross-border electricity trading with high penetration of renewable energy.

Recent developments in HVDC transmission systems to support renewable energy integration

The demands for massive renewable energy integration, passive network power supply, and global energy interconnection have all gradually increased, posing new challenges for high voltage direct current (HVDC) power transmission systems, including more complex topology and increased diversity of bipolar HVDC transmission. This study proposes that these two factors have led to new requirements for HVDC control strategies. Moreover, due to the diverse applications of HVDC transmission technology, each station in the system has different requirements. Furthermore, the topology of the AC-DC converter is being continuously developed, revealing a trend towards hybrid converter stations.

Defensive resource allocation for cyber-physical systems in global energy interconnection

Due to close coupling between physical and information systems, an unexpected attack on the node of the information system will result in great operational risk of global energy interconnection. A defensive resource allocation strategy for cyber-physical systems is proposed. Various risk factors of information systems are quantitatively evaluated in this paper. An optimal defensive resource allocation model is built to strengthen the security and stability of the cyber-physical systems, which accounts for nodal vulnerability and nodal risk degree. Simulations results of a test power system and its corresponding communication networks verify the effectiveness of the proposed allocation strategy.