How to quickly transition from 0% to 100% renewable energy on an island in the northwest corner of Europe?

David G. Quirk*, John D. Boucher, Poul A. Østergaard, Henrik Lund, Felipe Camara, Filipe F. da Silva, Ralph Peake

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingArticle in proceedingsResearchpeer-review

Abstract

An economic energy transition for the Isle of Man is being tested and optimised by combining the results of energy system simulation and power-flow modelling. The island lies between Ireland and the UK and currently relies on an 80 MW gas-fuelled power plant for electricity. This plant can be replaced with 100 MW of local wind power and 40 MW of local solar photovoltaic energy by utilising a staged approach by first building a high voltage transmission line to the island’s capital, then reinforcing the grid around the relevant substations and finally installing an additional sub-sea cable. Balance and stability can be maintained using some or all of the following – interconnection, long-duration energy storage, short-duration energy storage, various forms of power electronics and synchronous condensers. The specific problem of intermittent supply versus variable demand can be boiled down to the fact that only 65% of the renewable energy can be used when it is generated – the rest has to be exported or stored. Whichever route is taken, the cost of renewable energy is less than the current price of fossil fuel-based power.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationProceedings of the 7th International Hybrid Power Plants & Systems Workshop (HYB 2023)
Volume2023
PublisherIEEE
Publication date2023
Pages19-29
ISBN (Electronic)978-1-83953-909-1
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2023
Event7th International Hybrid Power Plants & Systems Workshop - Hilton Garden Inn Faroe Islands, Tórshavn, Faroe Islands
Duration: 23 May 202324 May 2023
Conference number: 7

Workshop

Workshop7th International Hybrid Power Plants & Systems Workshop
Number7
LocationHilton Garden Inn Faroe Islands
Country/TerritoryFaroe Islands
CityTórshavn
Period23/05/202324/05/2023

Keywords

  • Electricity grid
  • Energy transition
  • Isle of Man
  • Net zero emissions
  • Renewable energy

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