Reviewing energy system modelling of decentralized energy autonomy

Weinand, Jann Michael; Scheller, Fabian; McKenna, Russell

doi:10.1016/j.energy.2020.117817

Cited by 90 publications

(43 citation statements)

References 345 publications

(313 reference statements)

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“…Modeling by Imelda et al concluded that a 100% renewable system satisfying Hawai'i's 100% RPS law is "surprisingly affordable" and improves welfare in comparison to a fossil fuel-based system even without considering the cost of pollution [104]. Microgrids do not appear to play a substantial role in these works, although related concepts have been reviewed in the context of 100% renewables, such as Eras-Almeida and Egido-Aguilera's review of renewable island mini-grids and Weinand et al's review of decentralized autonomous energy systems [114,115].…”

Section: Hawai'imentioning

confidence: 99%

The Emerging Potential of Microgrids in the Transition to 100% Renewable Energy Systems

et al. 2021

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International, national, and subnational laws and policies call for rapidly decarbonizing energy systems around the globe. This effort relies heavily on renewable electricity and calls for a transition that is: (i) flexible enough to accommodate existing and new electricity end uses and users; (ii) resilient in response to climate change and other threats to electricity infrastructure; (iii) cost-effective in comparison to alternatives; and (iv) just in the face of energy systems that are often the result of—or the cause of—procedural, distributive, and historical injustices. Acknowledging the intertwined roles of technology and policy, this work provides a cross-disciplinary review of how microgrids may contribute to renewable electricity systems that are flexible, resilient, cost-effective, and just (including illustrative examples from Korea, California, New York, the European Union, and elsewhere). Following this review of generalized microgrid characteristics, we more closely examine the role and potential of microgrids in two United States jurisdictions that have adopted 100% renewable electricity standards (Hawai‘i and Puerto Rico), and which are actively developing regulatory regimes putatively designed to enable renewable microgrids. Collectively, this review shows that although microgrids have the potential to support the transition to 100% renewable electricity in a variety of ways, the emerging policy structures require substantial further development to operationalize that potential. We conclude that unresolved fundamental policy tensions arise from justice considerations, such as how to distribute the benefits and burdens of microgrid infrastructure, rather than from technical questions about microgrid topologies and operating characteristics. Nonetheless, technical and quantitative future research will be necessary to assist regulators as they develop microgrid policies. In particular, there is a need to develop socio–techno–economic analyses of cost-effectiveness, which consider a broad range of potential benefits and costs.

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Section: Hawai'imentioning

confidence: 99%

The Emerging Potential of Microgrids in the Transition to 100% Renewable Energy Systems

et al. 2021

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“…Additionally, there are different studies of energy system modeling available handling the general availability of bioenergy as a renewable energy source in scenario development for energy systems in the future. Different reviews regarding the latter have been published, for example, modeling decentralized energy autonomy [48], urban regions [49,50], or on a smaller scale for municipalities [51,52]. These studies state the general availability of bioenergy for renewable energy systems.…”

Section: Energy System Modelingmentioning

confidence: 99%

Biogas Plants in Renewable Energy Systems—A Systematic Review of Modeling Approaches of Biogas Production

et al. 2021

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Biogas production is a relevant component in renewable energy systems. The paper addresses modeling approaches from an energy system, as well as from a process optimization, point of view. Model approaches of biogas production show different levels of detail. They can be classified as white, gray, and black box, or bottom-up and top-down approaches. On the one hand, biogas modeling can supply dynamic information on the anaerobic digestion process, e.g., to predict biogas yields or to optimize the anaerobic digestion process. These models are characterized by a bottom-up approach with different levels of detail: the comprehensive ADM1 (white box), simplifications and abstractions of AD models (gray box), or highly simplified process descriptions (black box). On the other hand, biogas production is included in energy system models. These models usually supply aggregated information on regional biogas potentials and greenhouse gas emissions. They are characterized by a top-down approach with a low level of detail. Most energy system models reported in literature are based on black box approaches. Considering the strengths and weaknesses of the integration of detailed and deeply investigated process models in energy system models reveals the opportunity to develop dynamic and fluctuating business models of biogas usage.

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“…Local authorities and actors such as municipalities and city planners are increasingly incorporating energy planning aspects into their practices [11,12]. This is underlined by the growing body of research and literature on the decentralisation of energy planning, stressing the role of municipalities and challenges faced by municipalities in the transition to renewable energy systems [13,14].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Designing Tools for Energy System Scenario Making in Municipal Energy Planning

et al. 2021

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Energy planning increasingly revolves around the use of tools for energy system modelling and analysis with a view to generating scenarios to show implications and possibilities for decision makers. Municipalities engage in the transition to renewable energy systems through the formulation of strategies and goals at a local level despite often lacking appropriate tools and resources to conduct the needed complex analyses. Tools for energy system analyses have traditionally been designed either with the scope of national energy systems or detailed project-specific analysis in mind, leaving municipal planners in a state of flux. This study aims to identify important specifications and critical design principles for future energy system modelling tools designed for municipal planners. Through a qualitative case-oriented approach, this study investigates the planning practices of four municipalities. It is found that future tools for municipal planning purposes need to combine the need for systematic analyses with concrete and implementable initiatives while balancing analytical complexity with operational simplicity.

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Reviewing energy system modelling of decentralized energy autonomy

Cited by 90 publications

References 345 publications

The Emerging Potential of Microgrids in the Transition to 100% Renewable Energy Systems

The Emerging Potential of Microgrids in the Transition to 100% Renewable Energy Systems

Biogas Plants in Renewable Energy Systems—A Systematic Review of Modeling Approaches of Biogas Production

Designing Tools for Energy System Scenario Making in Municipal Energy Planning

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