Assessment of a Fully Renewable System for the Total Decarbonization of the Economy with Full Demand Coverage on Islands Connected to a Central Grid: The Balearic Case in 2040

Abstract

The transition to clean electricity generation is a crucial focus for achieving the current objectives of economy decarbonization. The Balearic Archipelago faces significant environmental, economic, and social challenges in shifting from a predominantly fossil fuel-based economy to one based on renewable sources. This study proposes implementing a renewable energy mix and decarbonizing the economy of the Balearic Islands by 2040. The proposed system involves an entirely renewable generation system with interconnections between the four Balearic islands and the Spanish mainland grid via a 650 MW submarine cable. This flexible electrical exchange can cover approximately 35% of the peak demand of 1900 MW. The scenario comprises a 6 GWp solar photovoltaic system, a wind system of under 1.2 GWp, and a 600 MW biomass system as generation sub-systems. A vanadium redox flow battery sub-system with a storage capacity of approximately 21 GWh and 2.5 GWp power is available to ensure system manageability. This system’s levelized electricity cost (LCOE) is around 13.75 cEUR/kWh. The design also incorporates hydrogen as an alternative for difficult-to-electrify uses, achieving effective decarbonization of all final energy uses. A production of slightly over 5 × 104 tH2 per year is required, with 1.7 GW of electrolyzer power using excess electricity and water resources. The system enables a significant level of economy decarbonization, although it requires substantial investments in both generation sources and storage.

Challenges and Opportunities in Electric Vehicle Charging: Harnessing Solar Photovoltaic Surpluses for Demand-Side Management

“…However, the substantial rise in solar PV energy introduces a new scenario for synchronizing generation and demand curves. Anticipated surpluses in generation during the central daylight hours [3,14], attributable to the significant contribution of solar PV generation, could be utilized for EV charging. Despite the inherent randomness in EV charging, without intervention, there is a tendency for it to occur during nighttime hours when most households are outside their working hours, resulting in a notable increase in nighttime demand [28].…”

“…This reliance on fossil fuel-based energy generation raises concerns about sustainability, primarily manifested in two pivotal challenges. Firstly, there is a discernible risk of the depletion of fossil fuel reserves in the foreseeable future if the current consumption rates persist [3]. Secondly, there is a significant issue about pollutant emissions, focusing on greenhouse gas emissions [4].…”