Co-benefits of energy networks integration technologies for system operation

点击翻译按钮获取中文摘要

In order to meet carbon budgets and accelerate UK energy system decarbonisation, increased coupling of transport, heating and industrial sectors to the power grid is required, and can be partly driven by the RD&D of multi-energy networks approaches. This is already happening: several studies have demonstrated the potential of networks integration to provide valuable operational flexibility to both gas and electricity networks, as well as the current and future risks arising from supply constraints. Further research modelling a future where 4% of UK vehicles are fuel-cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) suggested that if electrolyzers in hydrogen refuelling stations are also enabled to provide frequency control ancillary services (FCAS), then significant displacement of CCGT capacity, and reductions in carbon emissions and costs, could be realised.Schemes/appliances for converting energy from electricity to heat or hydrogen is primarily done to serve heating/transport/thermal demands, ideally with maximum utilisation of excess renewable generation. It will be interesting to examine the possible synergies between these developments and the requirements of the future grid, since these other benefits could be potentially obtained from strategic planning of the new facilities. These cover the reduced need for reinforcement and providing balancing and frequency response services, as well as an increasing need for potential for local services and black start capacity.Although integrated energy networks tools already exist, these may be limited in terms of their capabilities and work is needed to understand where and when certain assumptions and simplifications in the models can be made. The project is therefore looking to make modelling improvements, such that tools can be developed and applied which account for the phenomena relevant to planning and investment decisions of the future low-inertia, low-carbon grid.