Towards Future Electricity Networks – Meeting Strict CO2 Targets

This paper discusses challenges and possible pathways for the electricity networks up to the year 2050, assuming that strict CO2 emission targets are to be met. The analysis is based on input from an energy systems model which gives the development of the power generation system until the year 2050, meeting the EU 2020 CO2 target and a 60% CO2 reduction until the year 2050. The development of the power generation system is modeled by means of a techno-economic energy systems model which gives the technology mix until the year 2050 under assumptions on cost for various technologies and applying specific CO2 emission targets. Yet, for such modeling, the possibilities and barriers imposed by the electricity network is seldom included. This paper discusses a methodology to analyze the pathways for the electricity networks using the modeled pathways for the power generation system as input. The focus is on EU27