Flexibility and Power Plant Capacities – Strategies for a Climate-Friendly Energy System

Project description
In this project, RLI scientists in collaboration with BUND are developing scenarios and energy models to investigate how increasing flexibility in the energy system can reduce the need for new gas-fired power plant capacities in Germany.
Background and objectives
Germany is undergoing a transformation towards a climate-neutral energy system. An important aspect of this is the role of controllable power plants and their interaction with flexibilities in the power grid, such as batteries, flexible loads or electrolyzers. The aim of the project is to analyse how greater flexibility affects the demand for new power plant capacities. The focus is on an emission-free electricity sector in 2045.
Methodology and scenarios
The project team uses the European multi-node model PyPSA-EUR, which combines energy and economic aspects, for modelling. Together with BUND, scenario assumptions are developed, target years are defined and relevant data is collected. The scientists model and analyse two scenarios to investigate the effects of flexibility measures on the demand for power plant capacity.
Results and dissemination
The scientists present the results in an open and accessible format and publish the model and the data used so that broad traceability is ensured. The results are intended to contribute to the development of solutions for a sustainable energy supply that not only ensure climate protection but also security of supply.
Project period: December 2024 – April 2025
Tasks
- Analysis of the interaction between flexibility and power plant capacities in the energy system
- Development and modelling of two scenarios for a target year, expected 20245
- Consideration of technological development and regarding prices
- Publication of an open model and the results for traceability