// 100% renewable thanks to PtG
Power-to-Gas (P2G®) is all about converting green power into gas and storing it. A research association studied the method’s potential based on a specific region. The association investigated the subject of 100% secure supply from renewable energy sources and the requirements that apply to a future energy supply system incorporating Power-to-Gas. For this purpose, the association simulated the autonomous and load profile-compliant power supply of a model region in Germany. The study focused on a detailed investigation of P2G® use.
The model region chosen for the study is in Rhineland-Palatinate, has a surface area of 3,720 km², a population of 457,000 and an electricity consumption of 3.1 TWhel/a (2013). 59% of the power demand is already being met by renewable energy sources today. The results of the project show that a power generation system based on 100% renewable energy sources can be implemented in various ways involving different energy source ratios and different generation and storage component designs.
Simulation and optimisation with P2IONEER
Optimisation was achieved with the help of the P2IONEER (Power Plant Integration and Optimisation of climate NEutral Energy Resources) model developed at ZSW. P2IONEER allows for simulation and optimisation of virtual power plants and hybrid power plants. The model facilitates simulation of energy-independent regions with up to 100% renewable energy penetration and the optimisation of costs for the generation mix. The input data required by P2IONEER comprise time series of the generation data provided by wind and PV power plants as well as load data quantifying electricity consumption in the regions under review. This allows P2IONEER to dimension an energy system supplying the region with a combination of renewable energy and conventional generators including required storage systems (P2G®, batteries) at optimised cost and with guaranteed power supply at all times. The required level penetration of renewable energy sources is freely selectable and may, for instance, be based on the available potential.
