Offshore versus Onshore: The Underestimated Importance of Onshore Wind Power and Photovoltaics for the Energy Transition in the British Isles (Diesing et al. 2023)

The British Isles, consisting of the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland, were examined with a view to a sustainable energy transition towards 100% renewable energy in 2050. Under given conditions, three pathways covering the entire energy system were investigated in 5-year time steps and hourly resolution using an advanced energy systems modelling tool and the most cost-effective solutions were identified. The British Isles were divided into ten subnational regions. Particular attention was paid to the high offshore wind potential of the British Isles as well as the limited social acceptance of onshore wind energy in the United Kingdom.

The results show that a transition to 100% renewable energy is economically more attractive than the government’s strategy, which involves nuclear power and fossil carbon capture and storage. The total annual system costs can be reduced to €63 billion and levelled electricity costs of €40/MWh if onshore wind and photovoltaics are allowed to be built on a larger scale. A high degree of electrification and sector coupling are the main reasons for the decline in primary energy demand. The multiple risks of nuclear technology can be avoided if targeted measures are taken towards 100% renewable energies.

Published in: IET Renewable Power Generation, Volume 17, Issue 13Oct 2023, Pages 3151-3402

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