Offshore renewables supergrid needed to help EU reduce its emissions

Grid technology and infrastructure are far from where they need to be to accommodate the needed level of renewables, especially in the offshore space where no grid currently exists, a SuperNode analysis finds. Photograph: Peter Byrne/PA WireAs it confronts an unprecedented energy challenge, Europe must transition to a renewables-dependent energy system with a supergrid incorporating offshore wind as a central element, according to a new analysis by technology development company SuperNode.

Europe needs an independent system operator similar to the Midcontinent Independent System Operator in the United States, which “is entirely privately driven and established as an independent non-profit organisation that delivers power across 15 states and Manitoba in Canada”, they argue. “However, the introduction of renewables at the speed necessary presents considerable challenges, most notably on the electricity grid. Grid technology and infrastructure are far from where they need to be to accommodate the needed level of renewables, especially in the offshore space where no grid currently exists,” they add.

EU climate targets require accelerated deployment of renewables. During this decade alone, installation of solar and wind capacity needs to double compared to 2011-2020. Meanwhile, electricity must play a far greater role in decarbonising the heating, cooling and transport sectors. “Building an offshore grid would require significantly increased co-ordination between Europe’s nations and a changed governance structure, if we are to fully reap the environmental and economic benefits of a much-needed European-wide approach to electricity infrastructure investments,” the group says.

In addition, a carbon-free electricity supply combined with electrification of the heating and transport sectors to the greatest extent practicable are “preconditions for decarbonising Europe’s economies”. Whether Europe manages to build out its electricity infrastructure in time will be the main determinant of its ability to decarbonise its economies in a cost-efficient manner, they say. Today, the free exchange of electricity through cross-border interconnectors is still heavily restricted “and we are already witnessing increasing curtailment as peak wind and solar production cannot reach the customer due to grid constraints.

MISO’s mission is to “work collaboratively and transparently with our stakeholders to enable reliable delivery of low-cost energy through efficient, innovative operations and planning”. It has $22 billion in gross market energy transactions annually and covers 42 million customers. It creates value for members through improved reliability, more efficient use of existing assets and reduced need for additional assets, the paper confirms.

Source: Energy Industry News (energyindustrynews.net)

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