There are concerns that the Great Britain (GB) electricity system may not be able to fully absorb increasing levels of variable renewables with consequent implications for emission reduction targets.
1This study considers the technical benefits of additional energy storage and interconnections in future GB electricity systems. Initially a reference model of the GB electricity system was developed using the EnergyPLAN tool. The model was validated against actual data and was confirmed to accurately represent the GB electricity system. Subsequently, an analysis of four possible scenarios, for the years 2020 and 2030, has been performed and the maximum technically feasible wind penetration calculated. Finally, the level of interconnection and energy storage has been varied to assess the technical benefits to the operation of a 2030 GB electricity system. We conclude that increasing levels of interconnection and energy storage allows a further reduction in the primary energy supply and an increase in maximum technically feasible wind penetration, permitting the system emissions intensity to be reduced from 483gCO 2 /kWh in 2012 to 113gCO 2 /kWh in 2030. Increasing the levels of interconnection and energy storage will be fundamental to the delivery of a low carbon electricity system.
The prospects of UK shale gas development and its role in the energy mix has generated contradictory views. Its inclusion in electricity generation is anticipated to help mitigate the grid carbon emissions. However, there is fear that a shale gas 'revolution' might distract policy commitments on the development of low carbon technologies. Others argue that a shale gas 'boom' could potentially create a 'lock-in-effect' on gas generation infrastructures, thus, further exacerbating the burden on carbon emissions. The uncertainty over the future role of shale gas is worsened by lack of clarity and conflicting estimates on the potential gas resource and reserves. In the midst of these uncertainties, this paper seeks to examine transition pathways incorporating shale gas and their implications on electricity sector decarbonisation and energy security objectives
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