Path toward 100% renewable energy future and feasibility of power‐to‐gas technology in Nordic countries

Abstract

Ambitious target of reaching 100% renewable share of primary energy supply in Nordic countries by year 2050 is analysed by using TIMES-VTT energy system model. Role and feasibility of power-togas (P2G) technologies, producing methane (CH 4) gas from surplus electricity, is analysed in context with high levels of wind and solar power. Three scenarios are set with varying constraints for the energy system and with objective to improve conditions for wind and solar power seasoned with P2G utilisation. In BASE scenario, non-renewable energy sources are phased out by a high fuel tax for year 2050. In LO-HH2, the authors exclude hydrogen-based transport and reduce imported biofuels. In LO-BIO, they decrease availability of biomass for energy and advanced biofuel production. Reaching 100% renewable target demands significant changes in energy system, especially in energy production and transport sectors. Transforming primary energy supply to renewable requires high level of electrification, but also bioenergy is essential for Finland and Sweden. Thus, P2G competes with biomass gasification technologies. Volatility of wind and solar power productions can be balanced by international trade. Main drivers for P2G are supply of synthetic gas to transport and industrial sectors, instead of acting as energy storage for surplus electricity.

Offshore Wind Power Integration into Future Power Systems: Overview and Trends

“…Pursiheimo et al focused on the feasibility of the P2G technology in Nordic countries to achieve a 100% RES system. The main applications of P2G are focused on supplying gas to transport and industrial sectors [155]. Furthermore, the use of P2G has been proved in Denmark to be a successful tool to complement wind power plants [156].…”

Energy Scenario Analysis for the Nordic Transport Sector: A Critical Review

“…The transport sector is analyzed under a "no import of biofuels" assumption and a low electrification of heavy duty vehicles, resulting in hydrogen as the dominant fuel. Furthermore, [33] analyzes how to achieve a 100% renewable share of primary energy supply in the Nordics by 2050 applying TIMES-VTT, a full energy system model of Denmark, Finland, Norway and Sweden. The study investigates the role of power-to-gas technologies under different assumptions involving the availability of forest biomass for energy use and the penetration of biofuels and hydrogen in the transport sector.…”

“…The integration of the studied technologies is usually investigated with respect to only a part of the energy system, for instance, the power sector. Only a few studies include the whole energy system [32,33]. The inclusion of the whole energy system in the analysis allows the identification of synergies between technologies and of resource competition across sectors while fulfilling common environmental targets.…”

Testing guidelines for connection of solar photovoltaic farm to distribution grid: The Malaysian experience

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