Integrating Renewables Into European Power Systems

A carbon-neutral European economy by 2050 requires bold action today. The amount of electricity coming from renewable energy sources (RES) is slated to increase exponentially in the coming years, but many of these sources present specific technical challenges.

Power markets and grids were not originally designed for ambitious emissions reductions and high shares of RES. The  ASSET studies  below explore two different challenges facing the European Power System and present technical solutions and recommendations for driving action.

Study 1: Penetration Of Renewables And Reduction Of Synchronous Inertia In The European Power System

The future energy transition to achieve a more secure, sustainable and cost-effective energy supply is considered one of the main challenges that nations worldwide will face in the decades to come. Along with this transition toward more renewable electricity units, a shift is generally taking place in the way generation units are interfaced with the grid.

As the share of renewables increases, so will inertia-related issues. This study presents our experts' analysis and solutions:

• The impact of reduced inertia on power system stability and operation in the European power system
• A prognosis of future system inertia and main recommendations with respect to the European system

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Study 2: Islands and Energy Islands in the EU Energy System

Islands face unique challenges regarding their energy supply, requiring specific political action and tailor-made regulatory approaches. The aim of this study is to define the basic principles of an energy-environment-economy strategy for European islands. The principles are useful for the cost-benefit assessments that accompany the funding of projects with European Union involvement. This study covers:

• Decarbonization of the transport system on the island and from the mainland to the island
• An optimized energy system designed/retrofitted to the needs of the island
• Levers identification across different networks (e.g., heating and cooling, transport), including assets for the storage of energy and the potential connection with the water network

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The ASSET project provides studies in support of EU policymaking, research and innovation in the field of energy.

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