Synergies between energy supply networks

Abstract

The increasing share of variable renewable energy sources, strict targets set for the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and the requirements on improvement of system security and reliability are calling for important changes in our energy systems. Energy systems have been in transition, extending their boundaries beyond the energy systems themselves, the 3-D interactive extensions, that relate to the dimensions of physical Space, Time scale and Human behaviors – STH extension. Under the new circumstance of the STH-demission, we need new approaches and solutions to solve the challenging issues associated with new transitions of future clean energy systems [1]. The next generation of competitive technologies and services that will create or enhance synergies between energy supply networks are being developed and matured. Facing these challenges and opportunities, energy supply networks (e.g. electric power networks, natural gas networks, hydrogen production and transportation, district heating and cooling systems, electrified transportation, and the associated information and communication infrastructure) are undergoing a radical transformation with massive investments in infrastructure and technologies [2]. This provides a window of opportunity. This transition is significantly increasing the coupling and interactions between energy supply networks via network coupling technologies, e.g. Combined Heat and Power units (CHP), Power to Gas (e.g. using excess renewable energy to produce hydrogen, which can be injected to the gas network or converted to synthetic natural gas, SNG, and then injected into the gas network) and Power to heat (e.g. heat pumps) processes. There is an urgent need to develop the next generation network coupling technologies and energy system integration methods which will make optimal use of synergies between energy networks to increase the hosting capacity and flexibility of distributed energy resources (DERs), enhanced demand response and support Smart Grid operation

China’s roadmap to low-carbon electricity and water: Disentangling greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from electricity-water nexus via renewable wind and solar power generation, and carbon capture and storage

“…The features of interest include the close entanglement between the two networks, the heterogeneous regional disparity of water and energy resources, as the significant contrast in the economic and environmental performance of various technologies, discussed earlier. Wu and Yan [61] highlighted that the transition of existing fossil-driven energy infrastructure to new low carbon technologies has increased the interactions and coupling of energy supply chains. Antonelli et al [62] using a demonstrating example of the Italian power network, argued that intermittencies of renewable power intensified by demand uncertainty, require careful policymaking regarding the maximum share of renewable energy systems.…”

Impact of CO2 prices on the design of a highly decarbonised coupled electricity and heating system in Europe

“…A fast CO 2 reduction in other sectors is also required [1]. This represents an opportunity to exploit the synergies of sector coupling [2][3][4]. In this study, we investigate the decarbonisation of coupled electricity and reach similar configurations, e.g., heat pumps converting electricity into heat, and district heating systems fed with Combined Heat and Power (CHP) plants are the key-enabling technologies to decarbonise the heating sector efficiently.…”

“…Regarding greenhouse gas emissions, electricity and low-temperature heating accounted for 1066 Mt and 556 Mt of CO 2 emissions respectively [6]. Previous energy models applied to different regions [2,3,[7][8][9] have shown that imposing a strong CO 2 constraint leads to high Variable Renewable Energy Sources (VRES) penetrations combined with a high-efficiency sector-coupled energy system, referred to as 'Smart Energy System' by Lund and coauthors [4,8]. For instance, under a 95% CO 2 reduction constraint relative to 1990 in Europe [10], energy modelling approaches based on scenario comparison [8] or cost optimisation [2]…”

Optimal planning and operation of multi-vector energy networks: A systematic review

“…However, there are several drivers for integrated planning and operation of energy networks including reduction of the use of primary energy, increasing integration of Renewable Energy Resources (RESs) and facilitating a low carbon economy [3]. The synergies between energy networks [4,5] and the interdependencies and interactions between these networks have been shown to have the potential to bring several benefits to the integrated planning, optimal dispatch and operation of energy networks including increasing energy conversion efficiency, maximised utilisation of primary energy sources, improving the energy system flexibility, resilience and security and carbon emission reduction [3,6,7]. Modelling of IES is crucial for understanding the energy networks and the potential benefits of their integrated operation.…”