Investigating 100% renewable energy supply at regional level using scenario analysis

Energy modelling work in Ireland to date has mainly taken place at a national level. A regional modelling approach is necessary however, for Ireland to reach the ambitious targets for renewable energy and emissions reduction. This paper explores the usefulness of the energy modelling tool EnergyPLAN...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Annicka Waenn, David Connolly, Brian Ó Gallachóir
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Aalborg University Press 2016-06-01
Series:International Journal of Sustainable Energy Planning and Management
Subjects:
Online Access:https://journals.aau.dk/index.php/sepm/article/view/541/626
Description
Summary:Energy modelling work in Ireland to date has mainly taken place at a national level. A regional modelling approach is necessary however, for Ireland to reach the ambitious targets for renewable energy and emissions reduction. This paper explores the usefulness of the energy modelling tool EnergyPLAN in investigating the energy system of the South West Region of Ireland. This paper estimates a 10.5% current renewable energy share of energy use, with 40% renewable electricity. We build and assess a reference scenario and three renewable energy scenarios from a technological and resources perspective. The results show that sufficient resources are available for the South West Region energy system to become 100% renewable and quantifies the land-use implications. Moreover, EnergyPLAN can be a useful tool in exploring different technical solutions. However, thorough investigations of as many alternatives as possible, is necessary before major investments are made in a future energy system.
ISSN:2246-2929
2246-2929