The Integration of Renewable Energies into the Electricity Systems of North Africa

摘要: The North African electricity systems are in a phase of rapid transformation. ever-increasing demand - with annual growth rates more than 6% is placing great strain on the regional economies, especially times economic downturn and political instability aftermath Arab Spring. pressing need to upgrade infrastructures, however, also offers outstanding opportunities: countries can step out their accustomed national planning strategies reshape sustainable coordinated manner. Renewable energies, particular solar wind power, set play paramount role such future supply schemes, as recent announcements renewable energy targets by governments show. A further topic that received high attention past few years, particularly media, potential power exports from Africa Europe. Despite these prospects, many open questions still remain related actual consequences an increased integration sources (RES-E) Africa. How would existing conventional interact increasing feed-in? What optimized proportions three key technologies (wind, photovoltaics, concentrated power) generation mixes? challenges for transmission regards exchanges Europe? These were explored quantitative system modeling methods present dissertation. Large parts thesis built around bottom-up linear optimization tool which calculates cost-minimized expansion pathways different mid-term scenarios (usually until 2030) systems. model results allow conclusions about cost-optimized plant portfolios, commissioning/retirements capacities, evolution fuel mix generation, even projections needed capacities interconnect among themselves abroad. demonstrate offer considerable opportunities provided technology choices, capacity strategies, associated infrastructures planned efficient With system, example, it could be shown savings over €3 billion achieved just applying approach five countries. Concerning capacity, cost should initially focus photovoltaic long intermittency balanced system. Only later stages, when levels reached, implementation dispatchable, storage-based (CSP) becomes economically viable. same accounts Europe: indicate overall penetration must reach very (more 60% domestic demand) before Europe performed noticeable manner integrated competitive Mediterranean markets.