Potential for Optimization in European Power Plant Fleet Operation

Abstract

Energy policy makers need information about the greenhouse gas reduction potential that could be realized by changes to the operation of the currently existing European power plant fleet to enable short-term actions. Possible measures could reduce the climate impact of the European electricity system and, additionally, be realized quickly as new investments are avoided. In this paper, the Calliope based energy system model Stella of the European electricity system is presented and used for the first time, with the goal to quantify cost and CO 2 emissions optimal operation strategies of the existing European power plant fleet. By applying the model to six scenarios the results show that the greenhouse gas emissions of the European power plant fleet could be reduced by more than 50% with little additional costs compared to today’s power generation mix. It is shown that historic power plant operation follows only economic considerations while not fully covering its climate impact. The results demonstrate to policy makers the scale of reduction potential that could be achieved by short-term actions.

Three stages in the co-transformation of the energy and mobility sector

“…We assume constant costs for all energy carriers, while the investment costs for supply technologies may change. Cost and emission data for fuel supply is based on [48]. Our model is calibrated to match the real electricity production shares in 2018 (see [52] for detailed data).…”

“…Earlier studies often assumed higher investment costs (e.g. [48,54]), such that modeling output might differ significantly. However, the available areas for such installations are limited in the densly populated Germany.…”

“…Lifetimes, efficiencies and operation and maintenance costs are not object of change between the years. All parameters are taken from [48] if not stated otherwise.…”

“…In addition, import would typically appear whenever renewable generation is low, but simultaneously electricity generation Based on [57,58]. 2 Based on [48,59,60]. 3 Based on [61,62].…”

“…Fuel supply cost and emission data used in this model. Data is based on[48]. Specific CO 2 emission factors are corrected to match the real emission data of the German electricity sector in 2018.…”