Integrated Energy Planning with a High Share of Variable Renewable Energy Sources for a Caribbean Island

Abstract

Abstract:Although it can be complex to integrate variable renewable energy sources such as wind power and photovoltaics into an energy system, the potential benefits are large, as it can help reduce fuel imports, balance the trade, and mitigate the negative impacts in terms of climate change. In order to try to integrate a very large share of variable renewable energy sources into the energy system, an integrated energy planning approach was used, including ice storage in the cooling sector, a smart charging option in the transport sector, and an excess capacity of reverse osmosis technology that was utilised in order to provide flexibility to the energy system. A unit commitment and economic dispatch tool (PLEXOS) was used, and the model was run with both 5 min and 1 h time resolutions. The case study was carried out for a typical Caribbean island nation, based on data derived from measured data from Aruba. The results showed that 78.1% of the final electricity demand in 2020 was met by variable renewable energy sources, having 1.0% of curtailed energy in the energy system. The total economic cost of the modelled energy system was similar to the current energy system, dominated by the fossil fuel imports. The results are relevant for many populated islands and island nations.

Analysis of Techno-Economic-Environmental Suitability of an Isolated Microgrid System Located in a Remote Island of Bangladesh

“…There have been many significant works done by researchers around the world on the Hybrid power system with renewable energy, which are either off-grid [7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15][16][17][18][19][20][21][22][23][24][25] or grid-connected [26][27][28][29][30][31][32][33]. In [7], Groppi et al focused on the hybrid storage (battery plus hydrogen) system while planning a smart energy system to ensure economic and environmental benefits.…”

“…However, they did not explain the technical feasibility of their proposed system. Article [8] discusses a methodology to integrate a high share of renewable energy in an island using PLEXOS software, which was cheaper (2.5%) than the fossil fuel-based system and met 78.1 % of the final electricity demand. No risk or sensitivity analyses were performed, however, which are necessary to ensure the applicability of the planned power system.…”

Application of an Institutional Assessment and Design (IAD)-Enhanced Integrated Regional Energy Policy and Planning (IREPP) Framework to Island States

“…Regional energy planning approaches have typically included the application of renewable energy resources in their energy mix with specific targets and consideration of environmental impacts. The integrated energy modelling approach includes all the energy sectors, as opposed to a sole focus on a single sector, such as the power sector [19]. It has been claimed that the cross-sectoral integration can achieve significant energy savings and result in a cheaper sustainable energy system [20].…”

Sustainable Groundwater Exploitation Aiming at the Reduction of Water Vulnerability in the Brazilian Semi-Arid Region

“…It is also noteworthy that the use of technologies that use renewable resources are experiencing decreasing costs [60]. According to [67], a case study centered on the short-term energy transition with a large share of variable renewable energy is presented, in which the energy system based on these sources resulted in a similar economic cost in comparison to fossil fuel-bases systems. The association between renewable energy and desalination is beneficial, as this becomes a sustainable and challenging option for the future [32], and the right combination of renewable energy sources and desalination technology can be the key to economically adjusting energy and water demands in an efficient and environmentally friendly way.…”