Impact of Smart Electrification vs. Non-smart Electrification on the Power Grid

Recording of Tuesday, June 18, 2024 | The smarter E Europe 2024 | Conference Program | Language: English | Duration: 8:26 .

"Adrian Gonzalez Presents on Smart Electrification and Demand-Side Management to Address Tripling Global Electricity Demand by 2050"

Adrian Gonzalez's presentation delves into the potential of demand-side management and flexibility in smart electrification, emphasizing its urgency given IRENA's forecast that predicts a tripling of global electricity demand by 2050. This escalation necessitates not only expanding physical infrastructure but also transitioning from fossil fuel-based generation to variable renewable energy sources. Adrian stresses the importance of integrating smart power systems designed for cost efficiency and adaptability, facilitating higher renewable integration while minimizing peak loads and investment needs. To address these challenges, IRENA developed several modeling tools including a flex tool (2019) aimed at system-level adequacy and an optimal power flow model targeting localized demands such as neighborhoods or moderate towns. These models incorporate basic flexible technologies like heat pumps, electric vehicles (EVs), and photovoltaics (PV). Various scenarios were modeled: base load with residential consumption alone; unidirectional EV charging; bidirectional EV charging; bidirectional plus voltage regulation; thermal storage via heat pumps; and a comprehensive 'smart' scenario combining all elements. The results indicated significant benefits—flattening demand curves reduced stress on distribution grids, deferred grid expansion needs, lowered marginal electricity prices during peak hours leading to substantial cost savings across the entire energy system. In conclusion, leveraging flexibility in smart electrification offers considerable economic efficiency improvements crucial for achieving sustainable energy transitions.

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Speaker

Adrian Gonzalez
Programme Officer- Innovation and End-use Sectors
IRENA International Renewable Energy Agency
Germany

Talk of session: Flexible Grid and Innovative Grid Management

As the recent Grid Action Plan has shown, the importance of grids has finally come to the forefront of discussions on European energy policy. The focus of this session is on grid innovations and the need for a sustainable electricity system that can adapt to the energy transition.